DPS Dwarka Faces Intense Backlash Over Student Expulsions Amid Fee Hike Dispute

School Expels 34 Students, Parents Protest Fee Hike

Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka has come under severe criticism after it expelled 34 students over unpaid fees. Parents claim the school imposed a significant fee hike without proper authorization, pushing many into financial strain. The dispute, which has sparked widespread protests, escalated after the school barred these students from entering the premises.

According to the school, the fee recovery was essential to offset a ₹31 crore deficit it accumulated over the past decade. It also alleged that the 34 students collectively owed ₹42 lakh. Parents, however, argue that the expulsion was illegal and in direct violation of directives from the Directorate of Education (DoE), which had warned against penalizing students for such disputes.

Bouncers at School Gate Trigger Public Anger

Adding to the controversy, videos emerged of private bouncers stationed at the school gate, reportedly turning students away. This move came even after the DoE instructed the school to allow all students back into classes. The presence of bouncers has drawn widespread outrage from parents and civil society groups, who view it as an intimidation tactic against children.

Some parents even alleged that their children were confined to a school bus for hours without explanation—a claim that has intensified calls for accountability.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The matter has reached the Delhi High Court, where Justice Sachin Datta heard arguments from both the school and concerned parents. The court has reserved its verdict for now, but the case has brought renewed focus on private school governance and fee regulation.

Delhi Government Intervenes

Following public pressure, the Delhi government ordered the school to reinstate the expelled students and to ensure no child is denied education over fee disputes. The Directorate of Education also demanded a compliance report from DPS Dwarka within three days.

Meanwhile, parents have submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, listing multiple demands—including a rollback of the fee hike, action against schools defying government orders, and an independent audit of private school finances by the Comptroller and Auditor General.