The Directorate of Education (DoE) has ordered DPS Dwarka to immediately reinstate 32 students removed over a fee dispute. | Image: Canva
Over 100 parents of students from Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, approached the Delhi High Court on Thursday, raising concerns about a sharp fee hike and the removal of 32 students from school rolls. In response, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed the school to reinstate the affected students immediately.
School Actions Violate Court Orders
According to the DoE, the expulsion of students violated an earlier order of the Delhi High Court of April 16 that bars schools from increasing fees without approval from the department and discriminating against students on the basis of fees. The DoE reminded the school that such coercive methods are not acceptable.
Immediate Reinstatement and Compliance Required
The DoE has directed the school to retract all earlier communications of removing students and have them reinstated forthwith. The school has also been directed to file a compliance report within three days, according to news agency PTI.
Inspection Reveals Serious Irregularities
An inspection by a DoE-appointed committee on May 13 uncovered multiple violations, including:
– Removal of students without proper justification
– Sending students back home in school buses without parental consent
– Coercive methods to enforce unapproved fee hikes
The department strongly stated that “No child should suffer because of the difference in payment of fee”.
Parents Alleged Pressure and Unauthorized Fee Increase
Parents charged the school in their petition with raising the monthly charge from ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 without proper authorization and using pressure tactics to force payment. They also appealed to the Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor to take over the school’s administration.
Court Emphasizes Student Rights
The High Court, during an earlier review of the issue, directed the school to stop confining students in libraries or restricting access to facilities. All students must be allowed to attend classes, socialise with peers, and participate in school activities without discrimination.
