Bombay High Court: Student Cannot be Expelled over Non-Payment of Fees During Elementary Education

The Bombay High Court recently held that a school cannot expel a student for non-payment of fees during their elementary education.

A division bench at Nagpur termed the Father Agnel School's action "illegal and arbitrary," citing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

The Court observed that under Section 16(4) of the RTE Act, no child can be expelled until the completion of elementary education.

While directing the school to re-admit the 13-year-old petitioner immediately, the Court also ordered her parents to clear the outstanding dues within two weeks to balance the interests of both parties. 

[Chitrakshi Yogesh Rangwani v. State of Maharashtra]