Delhi High Court strongly criticized DPS Dwarka for expelling 32 students over unpaid fees without prior notice. The Court questioned the school’s harsh actions and delayed response.
New Delhi: Today, On May 16, The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, for expelling more than 30 students just because their school fees were not paid.
The Court was hearing a petition filed by the parents of the affected students, who argued that the school’s decision was unfair and went against a previous court order.
During the hearing on Friday, Justice Sachin Datta asked the school tough questions. He pointed out that the action was taken at a very sensitive time for students—just before the academic session was about to end.
Justice Datta said,
“You took this action on the last working day. The children have been ousted in the crucial last week. Do you get a sadistic pleasure?”
He further asked why the school had not given any warning or official notice to the students or their parents before removing them from the school rolls.
The judge said,
“Before you struck off these children, where is the notice under Rule 35 (4) of Delhi School Education Rules? Where is the notice to each of the 32 students? Show me a notice whereby you informed the students that if you don’t pay the fees, you would be struck off the rolls.”
In response, the school’s lawyer said that the school is facing serious financial problems and suffered a loss of around ₹49 crore last year.
However, the Court did not give a final decision on Friday. Justice Datta said the Court will hear the matter again on Monday and will pass the necessary orders.
This legal matter started after the parents of 32 students filed a plea, stating that the school expelled their children without following proper procedure.
They argued that the school’s action was against a previous High Court order, which had clearly said that the interests of the students must be protected.
The parents also told the Court that the school went to extreme measures. They said bouncers were placed at the school gate to stop the affected students from entering the school.
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They also claimed that they had submitted cheques for fee payments, which were approved by government rules, but the school did not encash them deliberately.
The parents believe the school did this on purpose to create grounds for removing their children.
This application was filed in an ongoing case where DPS Dwarka had earlier approached the Court against an order passed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
That order had directed the Delhi Police to register an FIR (First Information Report) against the school.
It was alleged that the school took harsh steps against students whose fees were pending. According to the petitioners, some students were locked in the library, publicly humiliated, and even expelled.
In a very serious and troubling incident, it was said that a girl student was denied assistance during her menstrual period just because her fees were unpaid.
The order for FIR registration by NCPCR was later put on hold by the High Court. However, on April 16, the Court had passed another strong order criticizing DPS Dwarka.
The Court had directed that no student should be harassed or prevented from attending classes because of fee-related issues.
At the same time, another judge bench of the Delhi High Court has reserved its order in a different case.
In that case, a group of parents has requested the Court to let the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) take over the management of DPS Dwarka.
The Delhi government has also stepped in. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has already told DPS Dwarka to allow the affected students back into the school.
As per reports from the Media, the DoE issued an order clearly instructing the school management “not to harass students” and to “restrain from taking any coercive action.”
This case has drawn widespread attention because it involves serious questions about the rights of students, the duties of private schools, and the role of the government and judiciary in ensuring that no child is denied education due to financial hardship.
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The final order from the High Court is now awaited and will be crucial in deciding the future of the affected students.
