The prayer of Educational institutions was against the State government which had earlier prevented them from collecting the full fees and at the same time directing them to pay the salaries to the teaching and non-teaching staff.
On hearing the PILs, the Madras High court had also passed an order allowing the private schools to collect 75pc of school fee in 2 installments.
The apex court passed this judgement in view of the uncertainty over the opening of the colleges and schools due to the Covid pandemic.
Accordingly, 40 per cent was to be collected as advance fees on or before August 31 and the remaining 35 per cent shall be collected within two months from the date of re-opening of schools.
But with the withdrawal of school re-opening as announced by the Tamilnadu State Government last week, the private school authorities had approached the Madras High Court.
After hearing the plea, the High Court has permitted the private schools to collect the remaining 35pc fee, before 28th of February, 2021.
Further the court said, this order is being passed to balance the interest of all the stakeholders, to aid the teaching faculties and to ensure seamless functioning of unaided institutions.
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This academic 2020-2021 so far entire school education in Tamilnadu covered by online classes only
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Earlier Government Advocate on behalf of the Education Department submitted that several complaints have been received from parents to the effect that the Education Institutions insisted for the payment of the entire fees in violation of the interim orders passed by the Court on 17-07-2020.
In its argument it is stated Parents are hesitant to give a written complaint fearing consequences.
Bench taking serious note of the issue stated that education department shall conduct an immediate enquiry and if it would be found that the institutions have been collecting fees in violation of the interim orders passed by this Court, immediate action shall be taken against the schools.
Further, particulars of the Schools shall also be provided to this Court and if this Court finds that there is any violation, this Court will not hesitate to initiate Contempt Proceedings against the persons incharge of the School.
The Director of School Education, Chennai, shall file a report on the action taken.
