The Kerala High Court has mandated that the state government establish clear guidelines outlining the minimum playground space required for different types of schools, along with any accompanying facilities needed.

Furthermore, the court emphasized that once the guidelines are issued, educational authorities must ensure strict adherence to them. Schools failing to comply, even after ample time has been provided for adjustment, will face closure as directed by the court.

The writ petition was initiated by the President of the Parent Teachers Association and a Managing Committee Member of the Government Welfare Lower Primary School, Thevayoor South, Pathanamthitta. They contested the district panchayat's decision to build a rainwater harvesting tank on the school premises.

Although the court acknowledged that the issue became moot since the plan to construct the water tank was abandoned, it underscored the vital significance of playgrounds within school premises.

The court highlighted Chapter IV Rule 3 of the Kerala Education Rules, which mandates that "every school shall have suitable playgrounds for games and sports, with the site providing ample clear space for this purpose." It observed that authorities are exploiting the absence of specific guidelines issued under the Kerala Education Rules to neglect the maintenance of adequate playgrounds for sports and games, leaving them without sufficient clear space.

The court directed that these guidelines must be formulated within four months from the date of receiving the judgment.

“School playgrounds are an essential part of a child's learning environment providing a safe and fun place to play. The playgrounds can help children to develop their physical, social, emotional and imaginative skills. The education should not be restricted in classrooms and the extra curricular activities including sports and games should also be a part of the education curriculum” concluded the court.

Case Title: Prakash N v. GWLP School, Thevayoor South and ors.

Case Number: WP(C) No. 19170 of 2014