The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sharply criticised Delhi Public School, Dwarka, for subjecting students to “humiliating treatment” by confining them in a library and preventing them from attending classes due to issues related to fee payment. According to the students’ parents, the school allegedly harassed their children over the non-payment of an “unauthorised fee.”
Delhi High Court’s remark on the school’s action
Justice Sachin Datta, who presided over the case, condemned the school’s actions, stating that treating students like “chattel” was unacceptable and that an institution behaving in such a manner “deserved to be shut down.” He further described the school as operating purely as a “money-making machine,” and stressed the need for safeguards to prevent the mistreatment of students.
During the hearing, several students dressed in school uniforms and accompanied by their parents were present in court, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
“I am concerned that students were treated in a shabby and inhuman manner… An inability to pay fees does not grant the school the license to treat them with indignity,” Justice Datta remarked.
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The court reviewed an inspection report prepared by an eight-member committee led by the District Magistrate (Southwest), which found evidence of discriminatory practices against students amid a contentious fee hike. The report, according to the court, revealed an “alarming state of affairs” at the school.
The court directed the school to immediately stop confining students, allow them to attend classes, and ensure they are not segregated from their peers or denied access to school facilities. It stressed that such treatment should never be repeated.
It went so far as to say that the school principal’s actions may warrant criminal prosecution.
Background of this case
The case stemmed from a petition filed on behalf of the affected students. While their counsel argued that the students were willing to pay the officially approved fees, the school’s lawyer maintained that show-cause notices had been issued back in December. When the dues were not cleared by March, the students were reportedly asked not to return.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education told the court that it had issued a show-cause notice to the school on April 8, asking the management to explain within seven days why derecognition proceedings should not be initiated.
