21 Aug, 2025
Delhi High Court Backs MCD’s Move To Use Park Land As Playground For School Children
The Delhi High Court has upheld the decision of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to utilize a parcel of land as a playground for its school students, rejecting demands that it be developed into an ornamental park for the public.
Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasized that a playground is “indispensable for the physical development and overall growth of children,” and that sports and outdoor activities form an integral part of education.
A group of residents from Model Town had approached the court, challenging MCD’s move and relying on a 2011 undertaking where the civic body had agreed to develop the land as a public ornamental park. The petitioners argued that the change violated their right to enjoy open green spaces.
The MCD, however, stated that the land—adjoining its school—was required as a playground for students and that the layout plan was accordingly amended in line with the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD 2021).
Court’s Findings
• No Violation of Law: The Court held that amending the layout plan to reflect the actual usage of the land was well within MCD’s powers under the DMC Act and MPD 2021.
• Educational Priority: Since the land vests with MCD and is appurtenant to the school, it was legitimate to dedicate it for use as a playground.
• Adequate Green Spaces Nearby: Justice Pushkarna also noted that a large 100-acre park, Shalimar Garden, exists just 30 meters from the site, along with several other parks in the vicinity. Hence, residents’ access to fresh air and open spaces was not compromised.
The Court dismissed the petition, holding that the petitioners had no vested legal right to insist on an ornamental park when the educational needs of school children required a playground.
Case Title: Mohit Goel & Ors. v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
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