SC issues notice to Delhi govt, DoE over pvt school fee hikes

Concerns over steep fee hikes and alleged mistreatment of students in private schools have prompted the Supreme Court to seek responses from the Directorate of Education (DoE), the Delhi government, and the Action Committee for Unaided Recognized Private Schools.

The court issued notices in response to a plea filed by the Naya Samaj Parents Association, which is challenging a recent Delhi High Court ruling.

The HC had permitted private schools operating on government land to increase tuition fees without prior approval from the DoE.

The parents' group argues that this decision has led to exorbitant fee hikes by some private unaided schools in Delhi, in some cases as high as 100%.

They also allege that students are being penalized harshly when families are unable to pay.

Earlier in May, multiple students at Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, were reportedly barred from entering the school due to non-payment of fees.

The incident sparked protests by parents outside the campus.

According to a report by a leading news agency, 29 students were expelled from DPS Dwarka on May 9, with the school citing legal grounds.

However, parents accused the school of disregarding a previous High Court directive and said the administration handled the matter with undue force.

They alleged that bouncers were stationed at the gates and that children were suddenly sent home on buses without any prior warning.

Some parents said they were unaware of their children’s whereabouts for a while and criticized the school for poor communication and causing emotional distress to students and families.

The case has drawn attention to the broader debate around regulation of private school fees and the rights of students in unaided institutions.