Conclude proceedings against schools which are in violation of Bye-Laws within Six Months: Delhi High Court directs CBSE
The high court directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to conclude proceedings initiated against schools that are found in violation of its bye-laws within six months.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to conclude proceedings initiated against schools that are found in violation of its bye-laws within six months.
A division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) directing the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to look into transactions between education societies and franchise schools and to check on the schools run by the Delhi Public School (DPS) Society.
The petitioners' contention was that with the commercialization of education, the educational management standards have deteriorated.
The plea alleged that the DPS Society, through its Chairman, signed franchise agreements with several schools that let other schools use the name, logo, and motto of Delhi Public School.
CBSE in its reply to the plea stated that schools could be affiliated with it as long as they follow the rules and laws. It also stated that, according to the rules, different Delhi Public Schools have been set up under different trusts and societies that are affiliated with the CBSE. Their name itself was not DPS, but they added names like DPS Ghaziabad and DPS Madhubani Pvt. Ltd., each with its logo.
It was further stated that when schools get a complaint, appropriate action is taken by them according to the rules and procedures as provided in the bye-laws. In another affidavit, the Board stated that appropriate action was taken against schools that violated the said bye-laws.
On the petitioners' claims that there were problems with DPSS, the court stated that they could use any other legal options available to them, keeping in mind the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and other laws that govern the field.
“However, CBSE is directed to conclude all proceedings which have been initiated in respect of various schools mentioned in the PIL as well as in respect of other schools which have been mentioned in the affidavits filed by the CBSE positively within six months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order,” the Court ordered.
Case Title: Harshpal Singh Sawhney & Ors. vs Central Board of Secondary Education & Ors.
Statue: The Societies Registration Act of 1860