The Uttarakhand High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging private school fee hikes and forced purchases of books and uniforms. The court noted the establishment of a state-level grievance redressal mechanism to handle such complaints.
Haldwani resident Deepchandra Pandey filed the petition. He alleged several schools exploited parents through inflated fees and limited purchasing options for educational materials. A Division Bench, led by Justices Ravindra Maithani and Alok Mahara, heard the case, according to LawTrend.
The state government informed the court an advisory committee is now in place. This committee will address complaints about school fees and related matters. Parents or guardians who believe schools overcharge them can submit grievances directly to this body.
Grievance Mechanism Details
The new panel will review a range of complaints. These include issues regarding sports and activity fees, educational excursions, and mandatory purchases from specific vendors. The Chief Education Officer of Nainital conveyed this information to the court via video conferencing.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) stated it had received no complaints from parents in Uttarakhand. These complaints would typically concern overcharging by affiliated schools. This clarification came from CBSE during the court proceedings, LawTrend reported.
After considering all arguments, the High Court directed the petitioner, Deepchandra Pandey, to first approach the advisory committee. The court emphasized a formal redressal mechanism now exists. Consequently, the High Court disposed of the PIL.
Broader Context: Fee Regulation Across States
Delhi Implements Uniform Fee Law
The Delhi government recently introduced the Delhi School Education (Fee Determination and Transparency Regulation) Act, 2025. This legislation brings all 1,700 private schools under a uniform fee regulation framework. The law aims to ensure accountability and transparency in fee-setting.
The Act mandates parental representation on fee fixation committees. It also establishes penalties for unauthorized fee increases. These measures strengthen trust between parents and schools, according to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Separately, the Supreme Court has requested responses from the Delhi government and the Action Committee of Unaided Private Schools. This follows a petition alleging a 100 percent fee hike by private schools without Directorate of Education approval.
Maharashtra Drafts Preschool Fee Law
The Maharashtra government has also prepared a draft of the Maharashtra Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Act. This proposed law seeks to regulate private playgroups, nurseries, and kindergartens.
The draft ECCE Act includes provisions to cap preschool fees at government-approved rates. It prohibits the collection of capitation fees or additional charges. Institutions found overcharging or operating without registration face fines up to Rs 50,000. Continued violations incur additional daily penalties.