Uttarakhand HC disposes of PIL on private school fee hike; cites state-level grievance panel

The Uttarakhand High Court closed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against private schools accused of imposing inflated fees and compelling parents to buy books and uniforms from particular shops. The Bench observed that a grievance redressal mechanism has now been established to deal with such issues.

According to LawTrend, a Division Bench headed by Justices Ravindra Maithani and Alok Mahara heard the petition filed by Haldwani resident Deepchandra Pandey. The petitioner alleged that several schools were exploiting parents through inflated charges and limited purchasing options for books and stationery.

The state government informed the court that an advisory committee has been set up to address complaints regarding school fees and related matters. Parents or guardians who believe they are being overcharged can now submit their grievances directly to the committee.

CBSE reports no complaints from parents

Appearing through video conferencing, the Chief Education Officer of Nainital informed the court that the panel will also review complaints regarding sports and activity fees, educational excursions, and the compulsion to buy materials from particular vendors.

According to LawTrend, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified that it had not received any representation from parents in Uttarakhand about overcharging by affiliated schools.

After hearing all parties, the High Court directed the petitioner to approach the advisory committee first, noting that a formal mechanism for redressal is in place. The PIL was accordingly disposed of.

Delhi brings private schools under uniform fee law

Recently, the Delhi government implemented the Delhi School Education (Fee Determination and Transparency Regulation) Act, 2025, bringing all 1,700 private schools under a uniform fee regulation framework.

The law mandates parental representation in fee fixation committees and introduces penalties for unauthorised fee hikes, aiming to ensure accountability and transparency in the process.

In a related development, the Supreme Court has sought responses from the Delhi government and the Action Committee of Unaided Private Schools on a petition alleging a 100 per cent fee hike without approval from the Directorate of Education.

Maharashtra drafts law to regulate private preschools

The Maharashtra government also prepared a draft of the Maharashtra Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Act to regulate private playgroups, nurseries, and kindergartens.

The proposed law includes provisions to cap preschool fees at government-approved rates and prohibits the collection of any capitation or additional charges. Institutions found overcharging or operating without registration may face fines of up to Rs 50,000, with additional daily penalties for continued violations.