Background: The Delhi High Court has been dealing with a slew of petitions filed by parents against private schools in the national capital, alleging that these institutions have been arbitrarily hiking fees. Parties: The petitioners, who are parents of students studying in private schools, have challenged the hike in fees, contending that it is exorbitant and unjustified. The respondents, on the other hand, are the private schools and the Delhi government. Legal issues: The primary issue before the court is whether private schools can hike fees without the prior approval of the government. The petitioners argue that the schools are bound by the provisions of the Delhi School Education Act, which mandates that any hike in fees requires the prior approval of the government. Court observations: The court, while staying the order allowing private schools to hike fees, observed that the issue requires a detailed examination. The court noted that the hike in fees has caused hardship to parents, who are already reeling under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance: The order of the Delhi High Court is significant, as it will have a bearing on the fate of thousands of students studying in private schools in the national capital. The court's decision will also have implications for private schools across the country, as it will set a precedent for the regulation of fees charged by these institutions.