The Study Lecole International School v. Union Of India

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 22.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN W.P.No.36232 of 2025 and WMP.Nos.40499 & 40500 of 2025 The Study Lecole International School Rep. By its Authorized Signatory, Lawrence, R.S.No.64-66, Mathur Road, Kalapet, Puducherry-14 ... Petitioner Vs.

1.Union of India, Rep. By the Chief Secretary to the Government, Puducherry 2.The Member Secretary, Fee Committee, Directorate of School Education, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry 605 005 3.The Director of School Education, Directorate of School Education, 100 Feet Road, Near Indira Gandhi Square, Anna Nagar, Puducherry ... Respondents PRAYER:

Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records 1/6

relating to the 1st impugned order bearing No.34020108301/ DSE/FC/2025 dated 18.03.2025 and 2nd impugned order bearing No.34040601406/DSE/FC/2025 dated 21.05.2025 passed by the second respondent as illegal and against the principles of natural justice and consequently direct the respondents to re-determine the fees structure by considering the objections submitted by the petitioner/institution. For Petitioner : M/s.Gayathri Vasudevan For Respondents : Mr.J.Kumaran, Additional Government Pleader (P)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the orders dated 18.03.2025 and 21.05.2025 passed by the 2nd respondent herein, thereby fixing fee structure for the petitioner institution.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. The very same issue was dealt with by this Court in a batch of writ petitions in W.P.Nos.33747 of 2025 etc., batch, by order 2/6

dated 08.09.2025. Therefore, the same relief is to be extended to the petitioner herein.

4. Accordingly, in terms of the aforesaid order passed by this Court in W.P.No.33747 of 2025 etc., batch, dated 08.09.2025, this Writ Petition stands allowed. The impugned orders dated 18.03.2025 and 21.05.2025 passed by the second respondent are quashed. The petitioner shall raise objections with all relevant factors for determination of fee before the second respondent within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of this order. On receipt of the same, the second respondent is directed to give opportunity of hearing to the school which submitted objections with all relevant materials for determination of fee and to pass orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of four weeks thereafter.

It is made clear that the second respondent committee shall comprise all the six committee members as per the Rule 64(2)(i) of Puducherry School Education (Amendment) Rules 2014. If necessary, the second respondent is at liberty to inspect the school before passing order to verify the infrastructure and amenities provided by the school to the students. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

There shall be no order as to costs.

22.09.2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order lok To 1.Chief Secretary to the Government, Union of India, 4/6

Puducherry 2.The Member Secretary, Fee Committee, Directorate of School Education, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry 605 005 3.The Director of School Education, Directorate of School Education, 100 Feet Road, Near Indira Gandhi Square, Anna Nagar, Puducherry 4.The Government Advocate, High Court of Madras G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

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W.P.No.36232 of 2025 and WMP.Nos.40499 & 40500 of 2025 22.09.2025 6/6