Madras HC Protects Students from Fee-Related Stigmatization

The Madras High Court has ruled that transfer certificates (TC) should not be used by schools to collect pending fees or include entries on fee arrears. The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to issue instructions to schools to avoid such practices, citing violations under the Right to Education Act and Juvenile Justice Act.

The Madras High Court has ruled that transfer certificates (TC) should not be utilized by schools as a tool to collect pending fees or include entries regarding fee arrears. This personal document issued in a child's name should remain free of such notations, the court held.

In an order passed on Friday, the HC instructed the Tamil Nadu government to circulate directives to all schools in the state, prohibiting them from insisting on a TC at the time of admission and from making unnecessary entries related to fee payments. A division bench of Justices S M Subramaniam and C Kumarappan highlighted that violations would lead to actions under Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) and other relevant laws.

The bench also mandated a review and amendment of the Tamil Nadu Education Rules and Code for matriculation schools in line with RTE Act provisions within three months. The decision came as the court set aside a prior order allowing the mention of fee arrears in TCs. The bench condemned the practice as mental harassment under the RTE Act and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, underscoring the need for schools to provide a supportive, stress-free environment for children.

(With inputs from agencies.)