The Delhi High Court has ruled that parents are responsible for covering the cost of air conditioning in schools, likening it to other fees such as laboratory charges.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a private school’s monthly fee of Rs 2,000 for air conditioning in classrooms. The court emphasized that the financial burden of such amenities cannot solely fall on the school management and urged parents to consider these costs when choosing a school.
The petitioner, whose child was in ninth grade at the private school, argued that providing air conditioning is the responsibility of the school management and should be funded by them. However, the court found no irregularity in the school’s charges, noting that air conditioning fees were clearly stated on the fee receipt.
“The costs associated with providing air conditioning services to students must be covered by parents, as it is a facility provided by the school, similar to laboratory fees and other charges. Parents must consider both the facilities and associated costs when selecting a school,” stated the bench, which also included Justice Manmeet PS Arora.
The court noted that the Directorate of Education was already addressing complaints regarding this issue, rendering the petition unnecessary. As a result, the PIL was dismissed.
(With PTI inputs)
