The Delhi High Court recently rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that requested the Delhi government’s education department halt a private school from levying fees for offering air-conditioned (AC) classrooms to students.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora dismissed the plea, asserting that the expenses associated with providing air-conditioning services to students in schools should be covered by parents. They likened these costs to other charges such as laboratory fees and fees for smart classes imposed by schools.

“The parents while selecting the School have to be mindful of the facilities and the cost of the facilities provided to the children in the School. The financial burden of providing such facilities cannot be fastened on the school management alone,” the Court said.

Additionally, the bench observed that the Department of Education (DoE) is actively handling the issue and is awaiting the action taken report.

Manish Goel filed the PIL, stating that a private school in Delhi, where his child was enrolled, was imposing a fee of ₹2,000 per month for the air-conditioning facility.

Goel contended that the responsibility to furnish air-conditioning for students lies with the school administration, insisting that this amenity should be covered by the school's own finances and resources. The Department of Education (DoE) informed the Court that it is currently investigating the matter and has requested an action taken report in response to numerous complaints received.

After considering the arguments presented, the Bench concluded that the petition was not maintainable.

Advocates MK Gahlaut and Varun Jain represented petitioner Manish Goel. The Delhi government’s Additional Standing Counsel (ASC) Prashant Manchanda, along with advocate Nancy Shah, represented the Department of Education. Advocate Sahaj Garg represented the Union of India.

Case Title : Manish Goel v Govt of NCT of Delhi & Ors