The Delhi High Court has condemned the Delhi Public School, Dwarka, for engaging in the public shaming of 31 students whose parents defaulted on fee payments. The court labelled such actions as mental harassment that undermines the psychological well-being of children.

DPS Dwarka earlier removed the names of 31 students from its rolls due to non-payment of fees. However, the school later informed the court that it had taken back the decision and allowed the students to return. The court said that since the students were reinstated, the issue had become less serious, but it still made strong remarks on the school’s behaviour.

Slamming the school's move, the bench said, “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.”

The court criticised the use of bouncers to restrict students from entering the school campus, saying "it fosters a climate of fear, humiliation and exclusion that is incompatible with the fundamental ethos of a school.”

While acknowledging the right of schools to collect fees, the court asserted that they must not function like commercial enterprises.

The court reminded us that schools are not just businesses. The main purpose of schools is to teach and build values, not just to earn money.

However, the court also clarified that parents are equally bound to fulfil their obligations. “It must also be emphasised that the concerned parents are obliged to adhere to and comply with the orders passed by this Court as regards payment of requisite fees to the school.”

The High Court directed that its earlier judgment dated May 16, 2025, regarding the payment of fees, must be followed.

Source: India Today