A group of minority educational institutions has moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the constitutional validity of a new law that requires government approval for fee hikes in private schools. The petitions contest the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, arguing that it violates the fundamental rights of minority institutions.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice T.Karia issued notices to the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor after hearing the batch of petitions. The Court directed the respondents to file a consolidated counter affidavit within six weeks after serving copies to the petitioners. The matter is listed for further hearing in March 2026.
While issuing notice, the High Court granted interim relief by extending deadlines prescribed under the new law. Schools have been allowed time until Jan. 20 to constitute School Level Fee Regulation Committees, extending the earlier deadline of Jan. 10. The deadline for submitting proposed fee structures to the committee has been extended to Feb. 5 from Jan. 25. The Court said the extensions were required since the validity of the law was under challenge.
The Act seeks to regulate fee hikes in private unaided schools through a structured approval system. It introduces a 3-tier mechanism involving school level committees, district authorities, and a state level body.
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