The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on a plea filed by over 100 concerned parents requesting that Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, be taken over by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. This plea was filed in light of an ongoing conflict regarding the school's fee hike and the subsequent expulsion of students whose parents could not pay the increased amount.

Justice Vikas Mahajan heard arguments from both sides and stated that the Court will issue an appropriate order soon. The matter arose after parents alleged that the school had unfairly removed students from its rolls due to non-payment of hiked fees.

Read Also:- Delhi High Court Denies Interim Bail to PFI Leader A.S. Ismail, Citing Improved Medical Condition

During the hearing, the Court was informed that the Department of Education (DoE) had already issued an order to the school, directing it to reinstate the expelled students and allow them to attend classes. It was further clarified that the school had complied and permitted students to return to class.

According to the DoE's directive, DPS Dwarka must also withdraw its earlier communication sent to parents about striking students’ names off the rolls. The department has made it clear that the school should not harass the students or take any coercive steps against them due to the fee-related dispute.

"The school is directed to refrain from coercive action and to reinstate the names of students removed for non-payment of hiked fees," stated the DoE order.

Read Also:- Delhi High Court Confirms: Police Can Register FIRs Under PCPNDT Act, Offences Are Cognizable

In the course of proceedings, the school’s counsel highlighted a complaint allegedly filed by one of the petitioners against a senior lawyer representing the school, calling it an act of “intimidation.” The parents' lawyer, however, distanced himself from the complaint and urged the Court to take appropriate action if the complaint is found to be baseless.

The Court also decided to include DPS Dwarka as a necessary party in the petition, ensuring the school has a formal role in the proceedings. The judge added that the Court’s final order would address the issues raised by the school's legal team as well.

Previously, the Court had suggested that parents pay 50% of the hiked fee while the matter was being reviewed. However, the parents declined, maintaining their position that the fee hike was unjustified.

Read Also:- No Legal Immunity Under FEMA for IPC Crimes, Says Delhi High Court

The parents' plea stated that several appeals had been submitted to the office of the Lieutenant Governor, requesting an administrative takeover of the school under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973. However, no response was received.

The plea further accused the school of indulging in “profiteering and commercialization, misappropriation of funds, and failing to adhere to proper accounting practices.”

It claimed that the indecisiveness of the Department of Education has deeply affected the students, creating prolonged uncertainty and mental stress for both children and parents.

“Despite being aware of the misconduct by the school and issuing multiple orders, what prevents the DoE from acting decisively with approval from the LG under Article 239AA of the Constitution?” questioned the parents in their plea.

The issue traces back to May of the previous year, when the DoE instructed the school to return excess fees collected during the 2022–23 academic year. Another order was also issued in the same month, instructing the school to ensure no academic loss or mistreatment of students due to the fee conflict.

Case Title: DIVYA MATTEY& ORS v. THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND THE NCT DELHI & ORS.