HC seeks govt reply on school reopening

Justice N Anand Venkatesh sought for the clarification on Wednesday following submission from school managements that 40% to 50% of parents have not paid even 40% of fees, as ordered by the court on July 17 as first instalment, despite utilising the benefit of online classes.

Posting the pleas in this regard for further hearing to November 11, the judge held that based on the clarification from the government as to when it intends to open the schools, the court would be able to pass orders on when the school management will be able to collect the remaining 35% fees.

The hearing transpired on a suo motu contempt proceedings against nine private schools for violating its order on collection of fees in instalments due to the difficulties faced by the parents during the pandemic.

While three out of nine private schools entered appearance refuting the allegation. Justice Venkatesh ordered fresh notices to others.

Also, following submission from the CBSE’s Counsel that its regional officer has received nearly 32 complaints from the parents of full fees being collected, the judge directed inquiry against those schools.