Justice Sachin Datta stated that using bouncers or public shaming for fee defaults is mental harassment and harms students’ well-being, which goes against the basic values of a school.
Delhi Public School Dwarka faced serious controversy after removing over 31 students for not paying increased fees. Parents protested, saying the fee hike was unfair and that their children were mistreated and kept from classes. The matter reached the Delhi High Court, which criticized the school’s actions and ordered the students’ reinstatement, stressing that schools must treat students with dignity and follow proper procedures.
The main legal issues in the DPS Dwarka case were that the school expelled students without proper notice or a fair chance for parents to respond, which goes against the Delhi School Education Rules. Parents also argued the fee hike lacked approval from the Directorate of Education, and the use of bouncers to block students was seen as harassment and discrimination, violating court orders that protect students from such treatment.
Parents said the school expelled students without fair notice and harassed them over unapproved fee hikes, while DPS Dwarka argued it followed legal steps and needed higher fees due to losses; the court stressed due process and student protection.
Cases similar to DPS Dwarka include the 2019 incident at Ryan International School, where students were barred from classes over fee disputes, and the 2023 case at Bal Bharti Public School, where parents challenged fee hikes and alleged unfair expulsion of students. In both cases, courts emphasized that schools must follow due process, avoid coercive tactics, and ensure students are not punished for fee-related issues.
Just before the Delhi High Court could deliver its verdict, DPS Dwarka withdrew the expulsion orders and reinstated the students, provided parents paid 50% of the increased fees as per an earlier court directive. Justice Sachin Datta noted this made the grievance moot but emphasized that schools must follow proper procedures and respect student rights in the future.
The Delhi High Court’s decision in the DPS Dwarka case emphasized that student dignity cannot be compromised over fee issues and that schools must act lawfully and compassionately. This ruling sets an important example for all schools in India to prioritize children’s welfare in fee disputes.
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Case Title: Delhi Public School Dwarka v. National Commission For Protection Of Child Rights & Ors.
Writ Petition No.: Neutral Citation: 2025:DHC:4901
Date of Judgment: June 6, 2025
Court: Delhi High Court
Judge: Justice Sachin Datta.
