The Delhi High Court today sought explanation from the capital’s Ramjas School and the Delhi government as to how private schools can be allowed to charge hefty ‘late fees fine’ from their students in contravention of the rules.

Justice Geeta Mittal issued notice to Ramjas School at Anand Parbat for not abiding by the rules, which said a fine of five paise only per day could be charged from a student. The school was charging Rs 10 to Rs 200 per day as fine.

The court asked the school and the Delhi government to respond by February 13, 2010, the next date of hearing in the case.

The court’s response came on the petition filed by an NGO, Social Jurist, through its lawyer Ashok Agarwal on behalf of Rajesh Yadav, father of a student in Ramjas School.

Mr Agarwal contended that charging such a high fine from parents who cannot afford to pay fee within stipulated time was totally illegal and tantamounted to commercialisation of education.

UNI