The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka for reportedly using bouncers to stop students from entering the school premises due to non-payment of hiked fees. The Court called this act "reprehensible" and said such conduct has no place in an educational institution.
The matter was brought before Justice Sachin Datta, who was hearing an application by a group of parents whose children had been removed from the school for not paying increased fees. However, the Court was informed that the school had already withdrawn its expulsion orders following directions from another bench.
Read Also:- Rajasthan High Court Refuses To Quash Rape FIRs, Cites Fear of Victims and False Marriage Promises
With the reinstatement of the 31 affected students, the Court noted that the primary issue had become irrelevant. But it made one thing clear: if the school wants to take any action under Rule 35 of the Delhi School Education Rules, 1973, it must give proper written notice and an opportunity for the parents and students to respond.
“This Court is also constrained to express its dismay at the alleged conduct of the petitioner school in engaging 'bouncers' to physically block entry of certain students into the school premises. Such a reprehensible practice has no place in an institute of learning,” the Court observed.
Read Also:- CJI B.R. Gavai: Entry of Foreign Law Firms Will Boost India’s Global Arbitration Standing
Justice Datta further noted that such actions not only disrespect the dignity of the children but also show a deep misunderstanding of a school’s role in society.
“The use of 'bouncers' fosters a climate of fear, humiliation and exclusion that is incompatible with the fundamental ethos of a school,” the judge added.
He made it clear that while schools are allowed to charge reasonable fees to cover costs like infrastructure and salaries, they are not purely commercial organizations. Schools have moral and legal responsibilities towards their students.
Read Also:- Impounding Passport Without Chargesheet Violates Fundamental Rights, FIR Alone Not Enough: J&K High Court
“Public shaming or intimidation of a student on account of financial default, especially through force or coercive action, not only constitutes mental harassment but also undermines the psychological well-being and self-worth of a child,” the Court emphasized.
At the same time, the Court reminded parents of their responsibility to pay the fees as per court orders. A previous bench had already ruled that the affected students can continue their education if their parents pay 50% of the hiked fee for academic sessions from 2024-25 onwards.
Earlier in the case, the Court noted that DPS Dwarka had failed to comply with legal requirements under the Delhi School Education Act, as it had not given parents a proper chance to explain why the students’ names should not be removed.
The parents also approached the Court asking for safety and fair treatment of their children. They said the school was not letting their children use the canteen or interact with classmates due to unpaid fees.
In a strong interim order, Justice Datta had restrained the school from segregating or discriminating against students, stopping them from attending classes, accessing facilities, or interacting with peers due to fee issues.
The case, titled Delhi Public School Dwarka vs. National Commission For Protection Of Child Rights And Ors, has now highlighted critical concerns about child dignity, fair treatment, and responsible school governance in fee-related disputes.
