Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (DD)

New Delhi, Jun 5: In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it has revoked the suspension of 32 students, bringing much-needed relief to families embroiled in a protracted fee dispute with the school.

The development unfolded just moments before Justice Sachin Datta was set to deliver his judgment on the parents' petition challenging the suspension. The school’s counsel submitted that the suspension order had been formally withdrawn earlier this week, with an affidavit filed on Monday confirming the same.

Acknowledging the update, Justice Datta remarked that he would consider the school’s latest submission while also examining a prior ruling by a coordinate bench headed by Justice Vikas Mahajan, ensuring that the matter is addressed comprehensively.

The suspended students' families had approached the court alleging "coercive" and "unauthorised" fee hikes, accusing the school of raising tuition from Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 without necessary approvals. Parents claimed their children were punished for resisting these hikes, triggering widespread outrage.

Earlier, the Directorate of Education (DoE) had directed the school to immediately reinstate all 32 students, terming the suspensions a clear violation of court guidelines against fee-linked discrimination. However, DPS Dwarka had continued to hold out until Thursday’s proceedings forced a climbdown.

Justice Datta had previously lashed out at the school for its alleged mistreatment of students, expressing shock at reports that children were confined to the library and denied classroom access. He likened the treatment to viewing students as “chattel” and slammed the school as a “money-making machine” that had failed to uphold basic standards of dignity and care.

The courtroom witnessed an emotional scene on Thursday as several students arrived in full uniform, clutching their books and bags, accompanied by anxious parents — a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences behind the legal battle.

With the suspension now lifted, parents remain cautiously optimistic, hoping the ordeal marks a turning point in how private schools handle disputes. The case has rekindled calls for stricter fee regulation and stronger protections for students in private institutions across the national capital.