Publicly Shaming Students Over Fees is Mental Harassment, Court Pulls up DPS Dwarka, Delhi.

The Delhi High Court has condemned Delhi Public School, Dwarka (DPS Dwarka) for publicly shaming 31 students whose parents had not paid the tuition fees. The court has termed such acts as mental harassment which harms the psychological health of children. DPS Dwarka had earlier removed the names of 31 students from its rolls for non-payment of tuition fees.

However, the school later informed the court that it had withdrawn its decision and allowed the students to return. The court said that since the students have been reinstated, the issue has become less serious, but it still made strong comments on the school’s behaviour.

Condemning the school’s move, the bench said, “Publicly shaming or intimidating a student on account of financial default, particularly through use of force or coercive action, not only constitutes mental harassment but also undermines the psychological well-being and self-esteem of the child.”

Criticising the use of bouncers to prevent students from entering school premises, the court said, “This creates an atmosphere of fear, humiliation and exclusion which is inconsistent with the basic character of the school.” While acknowledging the right of schools to charge fees, the court stressed that they should not act like commercial enterprises.

The Delhi high court reminded us that schools are not just businesses. The main purpose of schools is not just to make money but to educate and inculcate values. However, the court also clarified that parents are equally bound to fulfill their obligations.

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