School moves to HC after AMC demands ₹1.05 crore rent for playground land

Ahmedabad: JG International School in the Drive-In area has moved to the Gujarat High Court against Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) demand for Rs 1.05 crore in rent for playground land. After reviewing the arguments, the High Court has stayed the AMC notice and scheduled a further hearing for August 24.

The playground land was allocated to the Asia Charitable Trust on July 15, 2003, by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. This trust, which runs the school, was allowed to use the land as a playground during school hours. However, after the land came under the jurisdiction of the AMC, it demanded rent for the playground’s use.

After several correspondences, the AMC in September last year issued a final demand for Rs 74,21,790, covering the period from November 14, 2019, to November 13, 2022, which was paid by the trust amid protest.

Later in June 2023, the trust received another notice demanding Rs. 1,05,52,420. A recent reminder received by the trust on July 15 warned them of possible possession if the specified amount was not deposited. Though the trust was willing to pay for usage, they deemed the AMC’s demand excessive.

The trust argued that such a demand was illegal and violated the land disposal policy, as the initial order of July 15, 2003, did not mandate them to pay any rent. DeshGujarat