Display of fees: HC asks state to enforce DPI circular

The Karnataka High Court expressed disappointment while hearing a PIL challenging the non-implementation of a government circular directing all schools in the state to display details, including fee structure and facilities offered, on their notice boards.

A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar was hearing a petition filed by Amrutesh N P, an advocate. The petitioner sought the court to issue directions to the authorities to implement the circular dated April 13, 2015.

The government counsel sought time for effective and complete implementation of the circular. The court also directed the government to submit a compliance report in the next hearing.

And further stated that, in the event of non-compliance, the Commissioner, Department of Public Instructions, shall be required to remain personally present before the Court.

The petitioner contended that as per Rule 10(4) of the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Classifications, Regulation etc) Rules 1995, every recognised private educational institution shall maintain a brochure displaying the details of items of fees and the amount prescribed for each item. The same shall be displayed prominently on the notice board of the educational institution for the information of parents and students.

He further argued, according to Rule 14(2) of the Rules, the admissions shall commence after a notification is issued and displayed prominently on the premises of the educational institution inviting applications for admission and specifying the number of seats.

Following the representation by a students-parents forum, the Commissioner for Public Instruction had issued a circular on April 13, 2015, to implement Rule 10(4) and 14(2) of the Rules (1995) strictly. Accordingly, it was made compulsory in all schools to put up a display board measuring 6X10 feet giving necessary details.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case to January 23.