The Supreme Court said that no further orders were required at this stage and directed that all issues related to the law be addressed before the Delhi High Court. Several petitions challenging the Act and its rules are already pending there.
Supreme Court
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the law regulating fees in private schools will not be implemented in the 2025–26 academic session and will instead come into force from 2026-27.
A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was hearing the matter when Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Delhi government, clarified that the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Determination and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025 would not be enforced during the current academic year.
Supreme Court Leaves Matter to Delhi High Court
Following the government’s statement, the Supreme Court said that no further orders were required at this stage and directed that all issues related to the law be addressed before the Delhi High Court. Several petitions challenging the Act and its rules are already pending there.
The apex court was hearing petitions against a January 8 order of the Delhi High Court, which had refused to stay the government notification directing private schools to form fee regulation committees, though it had later extended the deadline for compliance.
Court Flags Concerns Over Timing
During the hearing, a lawyer pointed out that the issue affects millions of students and numerous schools, urging an early decision by the High Court. The bench responded that the High Court was conscious of the urgency.
Earlier, on January 19, the Supreme Court had questioned the Delhi government over implementing the law mid-academic session, observing that such a move could lead to confusion for schools, parents, and students.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The Act aims to regulate private school fees, ensure transparency in accounting, and ban additional and capitation fees. On January 8, the Delhi High Court had extended the deadline for schools to form fee regulation committees from January 10 to January 20.
