Private schools in Delhi cannot collect fees for the new academic session starting April 1 without government approval. The Delhi government informed the High Court on Friday that schools must follow the new fee-regulation law. This directive comes as schools’ associations challenged a government order to form School-Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCs).
New Fee Law Enforcement
The Delhi government argued that schools cannot charge any fees not approved under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act. The government stated that unregulated fee collection is prohibited by the Act.
Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the Delhi government, told the High Court that forming SLFRCs is necessary. He argued that delaying this process would be disastrous for students and parents.
Court Proceedings and Delays
A bench led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard petitions from school associations. These petitions sought to halt the February 1 notification requiring SLFRC formation within 10 days.
The schools’ counsel, Akhil Sibal, argued the February 1 notification is legally invalid. He claimed it altered the timeline set by the Act for fee fixation processes.
Sibal stated the Act requires the fee process to start in July of the preceding academic year. He accused the government of rushing the implementation.
Government’s Rationale
The government defended the February 1 notification, calling it a ‘Removal of Difficulties Order.’ Raju explained the order aims to start the fee determination process early. This ensures fees are set before the new academic session, as per the new law.
The government’s response filed with the court stated that not implementing the Act from April 1 would defeat its purpose. The law aims to prevent profiteering and ensure regulated fees.
Next Steps and Deadlines
The High Court extended the deadline for schools to form SLFRCs until February 24. The court also indicated it would issue an order regarding a stay on the notification on the next hearing date.
The February 1 notification requires schools to submit proposed fee structures for the next three academic years. This must be done within 14 days of forming SLFRCs.