Himachal HC Say's 'Pay First 5 Lakh to School, then CM Sukkhu Hoist the Flag'

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted conditional permission for the state-level Independence Day celebrations to be held at the playground of a Government Senior Secondary School in Barsar, Hamirpur. The court has directed the state government to deposit ₹5 lakh under the welfare scheme for schoolchildren before the event can take place.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi made it clear that the celebration cannot be held on the school premises unless the prescribed amount is deposited.

During the hearing, the court expressed displeasure with the authorities for approaching it only after completing preparations for the programme. The bench observed that had invitation cards not been printed and other arrangements not already been made, it may not have permitted the government to conduct the function on the school campus.

However, considering the special circumstances and the preparations already completed, the court decided to allow the event subject to specific conditions.

₹5 Lakh Must Be Deposited Before the Event

The High Court ordered the government to deposit ₹5 lakh as a user charge for the welfare scheme meant for schoolchildren. The court clarified that failure to deposit the amount would mean that permission to hold the state-level Independence Day function at the school would automatically lapse.

School Must Be Restored After the Programme

The court also directed the authorities to ensure complete cleanliness of the school premises after the Independence Day celebration. The campus must be restored so that regular academic activities are not disrupted.

The order follows earlier judicial directions concerning the use of educational institutions for non-academic purposes. The High Court has previously stressed that school and college campuses should not ordinarily be used for government or public functions. In exceptional cases, however, permission may be granted with conditions such as payments towards student welfare and proper cleaning after the event.

The Barsar case was brought before the High Court in view of these restrictions. The court has now allowed the state-level Independence Day function, but only after the government complies with the ₹5 lakh deposit condition and ensures that the school premises are properly cleaned following the programme.

(Report by Jitendra Verma)