DPS Dwarka Parents Stage Protest Over Alleged Arbitrary Fee Hike and Student Strike-Off Threats
Parents of students at Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka have raised serious allegations against the school administration, claiming it has issued an ultimatum to strike off their children's names from the school rolls due to an ongoing dispute over what they term an "arbitrary fee hike." The parents assert they must obtain clearances from the administrative and accounts departments by April 7 to avoid this drastic action.
Silent Protest Erupts Outside School Gates
In response to the school's notice, a group of aggrieved parents organized a silent protest outside the school gate on Wednesday. They described the school's move as "abrupt and unjust," highlighting the emotional and academic turmoil it has caused. According to parents, the school initially permitted their children to attend classes but later sent emails stating their names had been removed from the rolls.
"They initially said everything was fine. Later, emails stated that the names have been removed. When we asked, we were simply told it was the decision. The principal has offered no explanation, despite a court order prohibiting discrimination over pending fees," said one distressed parent.
School Notice Cites Delhi School Education Act
The strike-off notice issued by DPS Dwarka references a show cause notice dated March 25, 2026, and the parents' response regarding outstanding school fees up to the academic year 2025–26. It states that the response was found unsatisfactory and the fees remain unpaid. The notice explicitly warns that the student's name will be struck off the school rolls effective April 7, in accordance with Rule 35 of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973.
"You are requested to obtain the necessary clearances from the administrative and accounts departments of the school on or before April 7," the notice adds, putting immense pressure on families to comply swiftly.
Parents Seek Intervention from Education Authorities
Amid growing concern, affected parents approached the Directorate of Education (DoE) on Tuesday, seeking urgent intervention to resolve the crisis. They claim that nearly 30 students have been impacted, leading to widespread distress and chaos within their families.
"Around 30 children are affected, and this has created complete chaos. We have already filed complaints with the departments concerned and submitted all relevant documents, including the court order. It is now the responsibility of the authorities to ensure the order is properly implemented," another parent emphasized.
Allegations of Court Order Violations
In a joint statement, parents argued that the strike-off notices violate orders of the Delhi High Court as well as interim directions issued by the court. They contend that the notices threaten to remove students for non-payment of hiked fees, which directly contradicts the high court's directives.
"The notices threaten to remove students from the school rolls for non-payment of hiked fees, which goes against the high court's orders. The high court has clearly directed that students should not be segregated or deprived of access to school facilities on this ground," the statement reads.
Compliance with Previous Court Directives
The parents further claimed they have fully complied with the Delhi High Court's directions issued in May 2025. At that time, the court had directed that students be allowed to continue their studies during the pendency of the petition, subject to parents depositing 50% of the hiked fee for the academic year 2024–25 onwards, while paying the base fee in full. The court also mandated adjustment of any excess fee collected for 2023–24 in line with a DoE order dated May 22, 2024.
Despite these assurances, the current situation has escalated, with parents feeling betrayed by the school's actions. Queries sent to the school principal and the DoE regarding these allegations have remained unanswered, leaving families in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
The dispute underscores broader issues in education governance and fee regulation in Delhi, highlighting the need for clearer enforcement of judicial orders to protect students' rights and ensure equitable access to education.
