Supreme Court Faces Fee Regulation Law Controversy

The Supreme Court postponed addressing a plea against a new Delhi law that regulates school fees, with further proceedings set for February 2. This follows concerns from private schools about the Act's timing and provisions. The Delhi government is coordinating with stakeholders to resolve these issues.

The Supreme Court has delayed hearing a plea against a contentious new law in Delhi that regulates school fees, rescheduling proceedings for February 2. A recent bench made this decision after being informed by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju of ongoing discussions with higher officials regarding the law.

The bench previously questioned why the Delhi government enforced the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, mid-academic year, complicating compliance for schools. Private unaided school associations have filed petitions against the Act and its rules, finding them problematic both in timing and content.

The Delhi government notified this law, detailing permissible fee heads and practices, and prohibiting unauthorized charges. While the High Court declined to freeze a mandate for forming fee regulation committees, it extended deadlines, showing judicial patience as negotiations continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)