Why Delhi HC Slammed DPS Dwarka, Here’s the Legal Breakdown

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court has come down heavily on Delhi Public School, Dwarka (DPS Dwarka) for its controversial and harsh treatment of students whose parents were allegedly unable to pay school fees. In a strongly worded order, the court condemned the school’s actions, including confining students, segregating them, and ultimately striking off their names—calling it a clear violation of natural justice and the principles of child welfare.

Background of the Controversy
The incident came to light following a field inspection conducted on March 20, 2025, by a committee constituted under Order No. FDE/13/1312/PSB/2025/2814-2823 dated April 3, 2025. The committee, chaired by the District Magistrate and comprising senior academicians and officials from the Directorate of Education, submitted its findings to the court on April 4, 2025.

The report outlined several irregularities, including allegations that students were publicly shamed for fee non-payment—locked inside the school library, barred from classrooms, denied interaction with peers, and stripped of access to school facilities.

In response, on April 16, 2025, the Delhi High Court issued interim directions restraining DPS Dwarka from taking any discriminatory action against students on account of unpaid fees.

Alleged Non-Compliance by School
Despite the court’s clear directions, on May 9, 2025, several parents received emails from the school informing them that their children's names had been struck off under Rule 35 of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973. The emails further advised parents not to send their wards to school, citing non-payment of dues. This prompted the parents to move the court again through CM APPL. 29976/2025, alleging a blatant disregard for the court’s interim order and stressing the psychological trauma caused to the children.

Court Proceedings and Related Cases
The school’s counsel sought to justify the school’s actions and referred to the case of Divya Mattey & Ors. v. LG GNCTD & Ors. [W.P.(C) 6500/2025],  which is being heard by a coordinate bench of this court and deals with issue of fee to be charged from students of petitioner school. He submitted that no order in the present matter should be passed that contradicts or interferes with exercise of coordinate bench in Divya Martey case. 
On May 19, 2025, the Delhi High Court heard arguments in the present matter and reserved its order.

Meanwhile, in W.P.(C) 6500/2025, a coordinate bench of the court had passed certain directions on May 16, 2025, directing the parents of the students studying in petitioner school to pay the fee as prescribed by school for the academic sessions 2024-25 onwards until the DoE takes a decision on the same.

Relying on the direction issued vide order dated May 16 2025, the Principal-cum-Manager of DPS Dwarka filed an affidavit on June 4, 2025 before the High Court stating that:

The school has withdrawn the strike-off orders dated May 9, 2025 and the students' names have been reinstated, contingent upon the parents depositing the outstanding dues in line with the court’s earlier directions.

Court’s Observations and Final Remarks
In its June 5, 2025 order in DPS Dwarka v. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights [W.P.(C) 10434 of 2024], the High Court expressed dismay at the school’s conduct, particularly the use of “bouncers” to confine students within the premises. The court observed that such tactics were not only inappropriate but also detrimental to the mental well-being and dignity of students.

Stressing the role of educational institutions in shaping young minds, the court stated that any disciplinary or administrative action by schools must be preceded by proper communication and an opportunity for the affected parties to be heard.

At the same time, the court reminded parents of their responsibility to comply with fee payment orders, underscoring that the relationship between parents and educational institutions must be based on mutual respect, transparency, and accountability.

The DPS Dwarka controversy has sparked widespread debate about the rights of students, the accountability of private schools, and the balance between financial obligations and humane treatment within the education system. The matter is expected to set a significant precedent for fee-related disputes in schools across Delhi and beyond.