The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal filed by the committee of private unaided schools against a Delhi High Court order that schools located on land allotted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) should take prior permission from the government before raising their fee structure.

“You (schools) are on their (government) land. Why won’t you seek their permission before hiking fees?” a Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar asked the committee.

“Historic verdict”

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, called the Supreme Court verdict as “historic” and a wake-up call for educational establishments.

“This is a historic decision for those parents whose children are studying in private schools...we neither have any personal enmity with private schools nor are we against them, but the government wants to keep their fee and admission process transparent,” the Deputy CM said.

The Delhi High Court, in its order, had said that private unaided schools on DDA land “cannot indulge in profiteering and commercialism” of education.