The Delhi High Court, on May 19, reserved its verdict on a plea filed by parents of 32 students who were expelled from Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, for not paying increased school fees. The case comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding fee hikes by the school.
Justice Sachin Datta heard both sides—the school’s legal team and the counsel for the parents—and decided to reserve the order after the hearing.
The plea was filed during the hearing of an existing petition by the school. The parents, in their application, requested that their children’s education not be interrupted.
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“The court has reserved the order after hearing both the school and the parents,” stated during the proceedings.
The school’s counsel informed the court that one of the 32 expelled students has already taken a transfer to another school. He also explained that the decision to remove the students was timed with the academic session’s end so they could find alternative options without academic loss.
Further, the school pointed out that the demands made in this application are similar to another pending petition being reviewed by a different bench. The school mentioned it is facing a financial deficit of ₹31 crores, which has persisted for over a decade.
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The school claimed that all legal requirements were followed before expelling the students, including serving notices under Section 35(4) of the Delhi School Education Rules, 1973.
“We have followed the proper process as per the Delhi School Education Rules,” submitted the school’s counsel.
However, the parents’ counsel disagreed. They told the court that the school had violated several previous administrative and court orders that restrained it from increasing the fees.
Earlier, the High Court had hinted at the possibility of staying the school’s decision. The court observed that the expulsion appeared to breach provisions of the Delhi School Education Act. As per the law, parents should be given a fair chance to respond before such action is taken.
“The school, prima facie, did not give the parents a reasonable opportunity to explain before removing their children from the rolls,” the court had noted.
The parents are also seeking a directive from the court to the Directorate of Education (DoE) and the local District Magistrate to ensure their children’s safety and continued education.
In addition, the plea asks for enforcement of an interim order dated April 16, which criticized the school for treating the students unfairly. The school allegedly barred these students from using the canteen and speaking with classmates due to fee arrears.
Justice Datta had earlier passed an interim order preventing the school from mistreating the affected students. The court strictly prohibited acts such as isolating students in the library, stopping them from attending classes, or denying them school facilities.
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“The school shall not discriminate against any student by confining them, preventing access to classes or school amenities, or treating them unfairly in any form,” Justice Datta had directed.
The final order is now awaited, and it will decide whether the school’s actions stand legal scrutiny and whether the expelled students can continue their education at DPS Dwarka.
Case title: Delhi Public School Dwarka vs. National Commission For Protection Of Child Rights And Ors
