In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court has paved the way for the second edition of the star-studded cultural festival 'Bazm-e-Virasat' to be held on the premises of a private educational institution in Prayagraj. The court's ruling provides a crucial exemption to its earlier strict order that barred commercial use of school grounds.
Court's Conditional Permission for the Cultural Extravaganza
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra granted permission for the event to be hosted at Bishop Johnson School and College, a private unaided minority institution. The three-day festival is scheduled to run from December 19 to December 21.
The court's decision came after it examined the nature of the event and determined it to be a "non-commercial cultural activity" rather than a profit-making venture. This assessment was pivotal, as the bench had previously, on October 14, restrained all educational institutions across the state from allowing their playgrounds and infrastructure to be used for commercial activities or by third parties.
Background of the Legal Challenge
The organizers were forced to approach the court after the school administration suspended its initial permission. The suspension was prompted by fears of violating the High Court's October order, which had emphatically stated that schools were "meant for imparting education only."
During the proceedings, the petitioners argued that their foundation was a non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting composite culture and literature. They clarified that the event is funded by donations and should not be "painted with the same brush" as the banned commercial exhibitions. The court accepted this plea, leading to the favorable order dated December 2.
Strict Caveats and Future Implications
However, the High Court attached strict warnings to its permission. It explicitly clarified that this allowance, granted based on the peculiar facts of this case, does not relax the broad restrictions imposed by its October 14 ruling. The bench made it clear that this order should not become a precedent for the commercial misuse of school grounds.
The court issued a stern warning, stating that if any complaint indicating a violation of its conditions is received, it would be compelled to pass appropriate orders. This underscores the judiciary's intent to protect educational spaces while making measured exceptions for genuine cultural and non-commercial activities.
The ruling has brought relief to the festival organizers and cultural enthusiasts in Prayagraj, ensuring that the 'Bazm-e-Virasat' can proceed as planned, celebrating the region's rich heritage without compromising the sanctity of educational institutions.
