Introduction:

The Allahabad High Court recently addressed the issue of sibling fee relief at Delhi Public School, Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, emphasizing that such relief is not an inherent right but a benefit subject to certain conditions. The court’s ruling came in response to the rustication of two siblings due to a dispute over the applicability of the sibling fee scheme. Justice Ashutosh Srivastava underscored that parents cannot claim sibling fee relief as an absolute entitlement.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioners, parents of two students at DPS Raj Nagar, contested the school’s additional fee demands despite the supposed deduction of sibling and COVID relief fees. The school argued that the parents failed to adhere to the prescribed fee payment schedule, leading to the removal of the sibling fee rebate. Additionally, the school claimed that the parents’ misbehavior and failure to attend settlement talks exacerbated the situation. While the school initially waived off the fee demand and issued transfer certificates, the parents continued sending their children to school.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Ashutosh Srivastava directed the school to re-admit the children in the academic session 2024-25, considering the ongoing academic session’s imminent conclusion. The court urged an amicable settlement and instructed both parties to withdraw any cases or complaints filed against each other. The ruling reinforced that sibling fee relief is a benefit provided under specific conditions and not an absolute right for parents.