A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Anu Malhotra said, “We are disposing of the writ petition with direction to the CBSE to ensure that its circular is strictly complied with, in accordance with law, by the institutions”.

The bench gave the order after the board’s counsel submitted that another circular was issued on April 19 on the same matter.

The petition was filed by social worker Sunil Pokhriyal who sought direction to restrain the schools in Delhi from using their buildings to run commercial activities.

The petition was opposed by the authorities, including CBSE, which said the plea was not in public interest but instead, it catered to the petitioner’s interest

The court brushed aside their contentions and observed that the petitioner may have own interest, “but we are of the view that it is in public interest, especially for school-going children and their parents”.

On April 19, the CBSE had issued a circular and told the schools affiliated to it that educational institutions are not commercial establishments and sale of books, uniforms and stationery by them is in while violation of the norm.

The petition had alleged that the shops inside schools are being run by the people known to the school management and the institutions made “wilful gain” from these businesses.

“A pair of shoes, that is available at around Rs 500 in the market, costs Rs 1,200-1,500 when sold through the school’s store,” the plea had alleged.