Delhi High Court Intervenes to Restore Student's Education Amidst Financial Crisis

Advocate's Generosity Facilitates Settlement of Fees, Ensuring Continuation of Education

In a compassionate ruling, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Vikas Mahajan, intervened in a case involving the striking off of a student's name from the rolls of Delhi Public School due to non-payment of fees. The petitioner, Master Arnav Raj, a student of Class X, faced this predicament as a result of severe financial difficulties encountered by his family, including his father's job loss and significant medical expenses.

The legal proceedings, identified as W.P.(C) 7039 of 2025, were initiated by the petitioner seeking restoration of his name on the school rolls. The court was informed that the petitioner's father had previously agreed to a payment plan to clear the outstanding fees, amounting to Rs 5,37,713, by paying monthly installments of Rs 50,000. However, due to ongoing financial challenges, the father was unable to fulfill this commitment.

During the proceedings, Advocate R. K. Kapoor, who happened to be present for another matter, voluntarily offered to contribute Rs 2,50,000 towards the outstanding fees. This act of generosity was acknowledged by the court, which directed the school to accept the contribution as a full and final settlement of all dues and to withdraw the order striking off the student's name.

The court made it clear that this decision was based on the unique circumstances of the case and should not be considered as a precedent for future cases. Justice Mahajan expressed appreciation for Advocate Kapoor's gesture, highlighting its role in ensuring that the financial hardships faced by the petitioner's family did not impede the child's education.

The court's decision provides a temporary reprieve, allowing Master Arnav Raj to continue his education without interruption. However, it was underscored that for the subsequent academic session, the responsibility for regular fee payment would rest with the student's parents.

This judgment reflects the court's sensitivity to the educational needs of children amidst financial adversities and the critical role of community support in bridging such gaps.

Bottom Line:

Educational Institution - Striking off student's name from school rolls due to non-payment of fees - Court considering peculiar financial hardships of the family - Contribution made by counsel towards fees accepted as full and final settlement of dues - Such an order passed in unique circumstances and not to be treated as precedent.

Statutory provision(s): Delhi School Education Rules, 1973 - Rule 35

Master Arnav Raj v. Delhi Public School, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2815677