In New Delhi, the responsibility for covering the expenses of air conditioning within educational institutions is delegated to the parents, as it is considered a service extended to the students, akin to other charges like laboratory fees, affirmed the Delhi High Court.

A panel led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan dismissed a petition brought forward by a private school charging Rs 2,000 monthly for air conditioning during classes, emphasizing that the financial burden cannot be solely imposed on the school administration, urging parents to consider both the amenities and their associated costs when selecting an educational institution.

The petitioner, whose child attended ninth grade at the private school, contended that the obligation to furnish air conditioning facilities lies with the management and should thus be financed by them from their own reserves and assets.

Taking note of the fee receipt documenting the inclusion of air conditioning charges, which evidently are being made available to the students, the court found no apparent irregularity in the imposed fee.

“The responsibility for bearing the costs of air conditioning services rendered to the students rests with the parents, as it constitutes a service provided to them, analogous to other fees such as those for laboratory usage and smart classrooms. Parents must take into account both the facilities and their associated expenses when selecting a school.

“The sole responsibility for providing such amenities cannot be placed solely on the school administration,” the panel, including Justice Manmeet PS Arora, stated in a decree issued on May 2.

Furthermore, the court observed that the Directorate of Education had taken cognizance of the matter following complaints, rendering the petition unsustainable. “Hence, we are disinclined to entertain the present petition, and it is hereby dismissed,” the court concluded.