“Where Do The Children Play?”: Rajasthan High Court Questions Construction Of Water Tank On Town's Only Playground
While quoting the lyrics by singer Cat Stevens, “Where do the children play?”, Rajasthan High Court stayed the construction of an overhead water tank on the only playground in the town of Pilibangan (Hanumangarh).The bench of Justice Arun Monga and Justice Sandeep Shah observed that no sincere endeavor was made by the State to identify any alternative location for the construction. The...
While quoting the lyrics by singer Cat Stevens, “Where do the children play?”, Rajasthan High Court stayed the construction of an overhead water tank on the only playground in the town of Pilibangan (Hanumangarh).
The bench of Justice Arun Monga and Justice Sandeep Shah observed that no sincere endeavor was made by the State to identify any alternative location for the construction. The State has been issued notice, and directed to file an affidavit to the effect that the playground was the only suitable site for the project.
It was argued by the counsel for the respondents that the proposed water tank was only 50 X 50 Ft and had to be constructed in a corner of the 350 X 650 Ft playground. Further, it was submitted that the playground was the only available location for the tank in the entire city.
While terming the arguments as “defying common sense” and “preposterous”, the Court observed that the construction would inevitably lead to a heavy vehicular movement and disrupt the children due to it being an active construction site.
“This will render the playground completely unusable during the period of construction. Over and above that, the ongoing construction will pose a serious hindrance to the children using the rest of the playground and will endanger their health and safety.”
In this background, the Court rejected the argument raised by the counsel for the respondents, stating that it was not satisfied with the submissions at this stage.
Directions were made to issue notices to the respondents, and submission of an affidavit by the State that the playground was indeed the only suitable location for the water-tank construction.
“The solitary playground meant for the residents of the town has, without adequate justification, been found to be the only suitable site for such construction! Let an affidavit be filed by competent authority deposing so on oath, if that be the truth.”
Accordingly, the matter has been listed for July 10, 2026, and the Court directed to maintain status quo of the playground till then.
Title: Raj Kumar & Ors. v the State of Rajasthan & Ors.