Ensure plots earmarked as playgrounds are used objectively: HC

The Bombay High Court today asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to ensure that no illegal structures come up in the place/plot used as a playground by a school in suburban Bandra.
A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and G S Patel were hearing a petition filed by parents of ex-students of Duruello School alleging the authorities in connivance with local municipal corporator were laying paver blocks in the ground used by students to play hockey.
According to the petition, the ground was rented out for marriage functions and parties and that the catering contractor had permanently left construction material on the ground.

The petition, filed through advocate Pradeep Havnur, states "the said work of concrete paver tiles were admittedly funded by MLA Baba Siddiqui. The work of putting concrete tiles is encouraged by the municipal corporator contrary to public interest, whereas public interest is that children ought to excel in sports, and by putting checkered tiles, the school is only looking at commercial gains."
BMC counsel Milind Sathe today told the court that temporary structures were permitted to be constructed by the Corporation if the contractor follows the rule.
He added the civic body would look into the allegations of illegal structures on the playground, as levelled in the petition.

"The BMC has to look into the complaints and take necessary steps within six weeks. We hope that the municipal corporation ensures that plots earmarked as recreation or play ground is used only for that purpose and not converted to a permanent commercial plot," the high court said.
"The ground should retain its character as a play ground. You (authorities) may not give out the plot for parties during school hours but preparation of the party starts and ends a few days before and after. Then, where will children play ?" the court said while disposing of the petition.