HC seeks Delhi govt’s stand on private schools’ plea over constitution of fee regulation committee
The petitions form part of the petitions attacking the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Determination and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, on the grounds that it is malicious, biased, arbitrary and malicious in nature.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued a notice on the schools’ applications and asked the government to file its objections.
Lawyer for Action Committee Unaided Prominent Private Schools urged the court to protect these schools from coercive action by authorities for non-formation of SLFRC.
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The bench said the main case has been listed for hearing on July 20 and if any adverse action is taken in the meantime, the petitioner can appeal the case.
The court said, “If they speed up, let us know. Wait until July 20.” The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that although the court set aside the government’s February 1 order to private schools to constitute the SLFRC for the ongoing academic session, the authorities issued an “identical” circular on June 30.
According to the Action Committee’s application, the circular “reiterates and revives” the same instructions to constitute the SLFRC and submit fee proposals for a three-year block, including the 2026-27 session.
“…The fact that the DoE is still directing the creation of the SLFRC and proposing fee increases by the Schools, including for the academic year 2026-27, is illegal to say the least,” the application said.
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Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, acting on behalf of the Delhi government, submitted to the court on February 28 that the court did not stay the implementation of the statutory power to constitute SLFRC in schools.
On February 28, the court stayed the application of the Delhi government’s power to constitute the SLFRC for the upcoming academic session to private schools.
The court, which quashed the Delhi government’s February 1 notification on the SLFRC constitution, said schools will have the right to collect the same fees for the 2026-2027 academic year as they did in the previous academic year.
According to the new framework, every private school must establish an SLFRC. The committee is required to include representatives from the school management, the principal, three teachers, five parents and a nominee from the DoE.
The SLFRC is required to review fee proposals submitted by school administrations and make a decision within 30 days.
This move indicates that a new law has been implemented that regulates the determination of private school fees starting from the current academic term and brings transparency.
The Law, which many private schools objected to, was notified on 14 August 2025 and came into force on 10 December of the same year.
