SHC bars private schools from collecting two months’ fees together

The Sindh High Court has directed private schools not to collect June and July fees through a single payment demand. The court also instructed school administrations to issue notices for summer vacation fees in May and give parents until June 30 and July 30 to pay the respective monthly fees.

The court issued these directions while hearing a petition challenging the collection of fees during the summer holidays and raising concerns over the purchase of school books and uniforms. Government counsel and a representative of the Directorate of Private Institutions appeared before the court during the hearing.

The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that schools often issue two fee vouchers together, requiring parents to pay both months’ fees at once. The lawyer argued that schools do not conduct regular educational activities during the summer holidays and questioned the practice of collecting fees for the vacation period.

After hearing the arguments, the court restrained school administrations from demanding both months’ fees in a single payment. It directed schools to notify parents about summer vacation fees in May and allow separate payment deadlines for June and July.

The court also addressed concerns regarding the purchase of books and uniforms. It directed the Directorate of Private Institutions and the other parties to hold a meeting within two weeks to discuss the matter and work towards a solution.

Following these directions, the Sindh High Court disposed of the petition and instructed the relevant parties to resolve the outstanding issues in accordance with its orders.