By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has stayed fee hikes by private schools until March 12, prompting Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood to describe the order as a “historic triumph” for parents and a result of the government’s “strong political will”.
In a press statement issued by the Office of the Minister for Education, Government of Delhi, Sood said the court’s direction ensures that no increased fee will be applicable until the constitution of the School Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC) after the March 12 hearing.
“This is not just a legal win; it is a victory of the strong political will of this government. For years, the parents of Delhi were left at the mercy of arbitrary hikes. Our Department fought this case tooth and nail,” the Minister said.
Regulation of Fees for 2025-26
Citing the High Court’s order, Sood said any “exorbitant fee” charged by schools for the academic year 2025-26 would be examined and regulated in accordance with the law, subject to the final outcome of the case. He added that, for the first time, a system has been established to ensure refund or adjustment of excess fees if found to have been charged.
Quoting from the court’s order, the Minister noted that any excessive fee for 2025-26 “shall be regulated and dealt with in accordance with law”.
He further said the court had preserved the government’s right to scrutinise such charges.
Status Quo for 2026-27
According to the Minister, schools have been directed to maintain status quo on fees for the 2026-27 academic session and are permitted to collect only the same fee as in the previous academic year. He asserted that no “vested right” has been created for schools to increase charges.
Political Attack on AAP
Sood also termed the order a setback for what he described as a nexus involving the Aam Aadmi Party, certain NGOs and private school managements. “This victory belongs to the parents of Delhi and Delhi ki Janta,” he said, alleging that reforms had been stalled for years.
“We have stood our ground, and we will ensure that every paisa overcharged is accounted for. This is a new era of transparency in Delhi’s education system,” the Minister added.
