Schools Are Not Businesses; Stop Public Shaming Over Fees: Delhi High Court Slams DPS Dwarka

Not being able to pay school fees on time is disheartening enough for parents, but what's worse is learning that their child has been publicly shamed at school for it. This is a common act in majority schools in India, and parents usually treat it as a normal act even though it includes negative treatment of the student, perhaps because it has become normalised!

In a shocking case, the Delhi High Court has slammed Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka for shaming and harassing its students in public for failing to pay their school fees. The court made it clear that schools are not businesses and children should never face embarrassment because of money.

What Happened at DPS Dwarka?

Earlier, DPS Dwarka took the step to remove 31 students from their school list as their parents had failed to pay the cost of the fee hike. Matters became more serious when the school reportedly used bouncers as guards to stop the students from getting onto their property. Think of yourself: how would it feel to be a child, full of excitement for school, and then be treated disrespectfully at the gate by authorities and adults? Parents showed their disapproval by protesting, which led to a lot of anger and sadness throughout the community.

The High Court Disapproves of Mental Harassment and Public Shaming

The High Court in Delhi was direct in its views. The court stated, "Public shaming or intimidation of a student on account of financial default, especially through force or coercive action, not only constitutes mental harassment but also undermines the psychological well-being and self-worth of a child."

People were reminded by the court that schools are not just businesses. Their mission is to instruct and instil values, not to earn money. Schools should not be viewed solely as a business like any other. The court explained that education is primarily concerned with the public good, national development, and ensuring that students have a complete educational journey. 

Although students have returned to class, the effects of what happened are not gone.

After the court took action, the DPS Dwarka did not expel the students but made them pay half of the increased costs, as per the court’s previous ruling. Yet, the emotional trauma left by being publicly shamed and handled by bouncers is very hard to reverse.

The Battle for Justice by Parents

Several parents have challenged the increase in school fees by petitioning the courts to ensure that the fees are only those authorised by the Directorate of Education. They also claimed that DPS Dwarka had violated previous court orders that prohibited the school from harassing students for nonpayment of unauthorised fees.

Court’s Warning to Every School

Clear guidelines have been given by the High Court for every school in Delhi: 

• If a student is to be struck off the rolls, the school needs to issue prior communication.
• It is important that students and parents have an equal chance to let their side be heard.
• Anyone who publicly shames or intimidates someone could be charged with mental harassment since it is against the law.

A Spark that Alerted the Indian  Education System

This case should encourage all schools in the country to pay more attention to students’ safety. Providing education is not only about gathering funds and operating a company. It is meant to guide young people, increase their confidence and pass on valuable lessons. If schools do not adhere to this, they could cause damage to the students they are there to help.

We hope that this result leads to actual improvements and prevents any child from being shamed publicly due to factors beyond their control.

 

What Is Your Opinion? Do you find similar problems appearing in your child’s school? Is there too much business influence in today’s schools? Raise your voice if you are facing any such thing. Your opinion plays a role in designing an education system where everyone is treated equally and respectfully.