Delhi Private Schools: During a hearing in the Delhi High Court on Friday, the Delhi government has clearly stated that private schools cannot charge arbitrary fees from April 1, 2026. The government reiterated that charging fees besides those set and approved under the new fee regulation system is legally prohibited. To prevent this, the government insisted on the formation of the fee regulation committees (SLFRCs). The Court extended the deadline for the SLFRC formation to February 24 due to opposition from private school associations.
A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia was hearing petitions filed by private school associations challenging a February 1 government notification directing schools to constitute school-level fee regulation committees within 10 days.
Delhi Private Schools: What Did Additional Solicitor General Say?
Representing the government, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, argued that blocking the formation of the SLFRCs (School-Level Fee Regulation Committees) would have serious consequences. He further said that the formation of such committees will allow the fee-setting process to be completed before the new semester without harming the school curriculum.
Delhi Private Schools: Government’s Response
The Delhi government told the court that under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fee Determination and Regulation) Act, schools are allowed to charge only approved fees. Before the start of the new academic year on April 1, 2026, if the fees are not fixed, it's possible that schools can charge arbitrary fees. If this happens, the very purpose of the law, aiming to prevent commercialization and profiteering, will be defeated.
Delhi Private Schools: What Was The School’s Response?
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal is representing the private schools. He argued that the government's February 1 notification is not legally tenable as it changes the time limit prescribed in the Act. He said that according to the law, the process of fee determination must have started from July of the last academic year. Practically, it is not possible to take a unanimous decision in such a short period, he further added.
Delhi Private Schools: Court’s Response
The court listed the matter for further hearing on February 24, 2026. The deadline for private schools to form the SLFRC has also been extended until then. The court said it could pass an order on the plea seeking a stay of the notification on the next date.
Delhi Private Schools: Response of Delhi Director Of Education
The Delhi Director of Education pointed out that the objective of fee regulation and providing relief to parents would be unfulfilled if the new law is not implemented by the 2026-27 academic year. As per the government, the order was issued as a special interim arrangement for three academic years. It aims to ensure transparency and control of fees from the start of the new academic year.