(1.) This writ petition is filed by parents of the students studying in the 3rd respondent's school seeking a direction to the 1st respondent to issue necessary directions to the 3rd respondent to reduce the school fee demanded by the 3rd respondent from the petitioners.
(2.) It is submitted that the 3rd respondent is a private school recognized by the 1st respondent and affiliated with the 2nd respondent Council. It is submitted that the petitioners' wards are studying in the school. It is submitted that the 1st respondent has granted recognition to the school under Section 18 of the Right to Education Act, 2009 and is affiliated to the 2nd respondent Council. It is submitted that due to the nationwide lock down imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the school is conducting only online classes and the petitioners had to spend substantial amounts of money for making available high speed internet connections and for procurement of computers and smart phones for their children to attend the classes. It is submitted that due to the economic slowdown resulting from the pandemic, the petitioners are facing severe financial crisis and they had submitted Ext.P1 representation before the 3rd respondent seeking a reduction of the fee. It is submitted that the 3rd respondent is collecting exorbitant fees from each student amounting to Rs.28,300/- per year. It is stated that each student has to pay an amount of Rs.12,550/- as readmission fee during each year and the balance has to be paid in 9 instalments of Rs.1,750/- each. It is submitted that though representations have been moved before the 2nd respondent as well as the DEO, no action has been taken thereon. It is, therefore, prayed that this Court may direct the 1st respondent to reduce the fees appropriately considering the financial crisis faced by the petitioners.
(3.) A counter affidavit has been placed on record by the 3rd respondent. It is contended therein with regard to the fees collected as follows:-