HC orders DPS Dwarka to re-admit students on partial fee payment

In a significant development in the ongoing fee hike controversy, the Delhi High Court has ordered Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, to reinstate students removed from its rolls due to non-payment of increased tuition fees.

The interim relief was granted by Justice Vikas Mahajan in an order dated May 16, which became public on May 28.

The court directed that the affected students be allowed to attend regular classes, provided their parents deposit 50% of the increased portion of the fees.

It clarified that this relief applies only to the hiked amount and that the original base fee must be paid in full.

This arrangement will continue until the Directorate of Education (DoE) reviews and decides on the school’s fee structure for the 2024–25 academic session.

The case stems from a plea filed by over 100 parents who accused the school of using coercive methods to enforce an unapproved fee hike.

They alleged that bouncers were deployed at the school gate to block entry and that students who hadn’t paid the increased fees were confined to the library and denied access to regular classes and facilities.

The parents also alleged discrimination against students and undue pressure on families to pay the revised fees.

The HC strongly condemned any such treatment, saying that “students should not suffer academically while administrative decisions are pending.”

Notices have been issued to DPS Dwarka, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Delhi government.

All parties have been asked to respond within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for Aug 28.