Background: The Delhi High Court has stayed an order passed by a single judge allowing private schools to hike fees despite a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) prohibiting the same. The order was challenged by the Delhi government before a division bench. Parties: The petitioners are the Delhi government and the respondents are private schools. Legal issues: The main issue is whether private schools can be allowed to hike fees during the pandemic when the DoE has prohibited the same. Court observations: The division bench observed that the single judge's order was prima facie incorrect and stayed the same. The court also issued notice to the private schools and sought their response. Significance: The order is significant as it affects thousands of students studying in private schools in Delhi. The court's decision will have a bearing on the financial burden on parents during the pandemic. The case will be heard next on a date to be notified by the court. The court's decision is expected to bring relief to parents who were facing financial difficulties due to the fee hike. The private schools have been asked to file their response to the petition, and the court will hear the matter again after considering the responses. The Delhi government has argued that the private schools cannot be allowed to hike fees during the pandemic as it would cause financial hardship to parents. The private schools, on the other hand, have argued that they need to hike fees to meet their expenses. The court's decision will be closely watched by parents and private schools in Delhi. The case highlights the ongoing tussle between private schools and the government over the issue of fee hike. The court's order is a temporary relief to parents, but the final decision will depend on the outcome of the case. The court's decision will also have implications for private schools in other states, as it will set a precedent for similar cases. The case is expected to be heard again in the coming weeks, and the court's final decision will be eagerly awaited by all stakeholders.