Delhi HC gives private schools more time to form fee regulation panels

The Delhi High Court has extended the deadline for private unaided schools in the Capital to constitute fee regulation committees, granting institutions additional time to comply with statutory requirements aimed at bringing transparency to fee fixation.

A bench of the Delhi High Court was hearing a batch of petitions related to the implementation of fee oversight mechanisms under the Delhi School Education framework. The court noted that while the requirement to set up fee panels is mandatory, several schools had sought more time citing procedural delays and administrative constraints.

Taking these submissions on record, the court allowed an extension, while making it clear that the objective of the panels is to ensure fair, reasoned and accountable fee determination. The judges stressed that the extension should not be read as dilution of the law, but as a final opportunity for compliance.

The court also reiterated that once constituted, the fee committees must function in line with prescribed norms, including representation of parents, and must place their decisions on record. Any arbitrary fee hike without following due process would invite regulatory action, the bench cautioned.

The matter will be reviewed again after the revised deadline, with the court indicating that non-compliant schools may face stricter scrutiny in future hearings.