J. Vinoth vs Directorate of School Education - 2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41885

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41885

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
L. Victoria Gowri, N. Senthilkumar, JJ
J. Vinoth – Appellant
Versus
Directorate of School Education – Respondent
WP No. 19363 of 2026

Important Points

A writ petition concerning fee regulation becomes infructuous when the underlying educational institution has been formally closed by government authorities.

Subject

Administrative Law - Writ Jurisdiction

Act Referred

Constitution of India: Art.226

Headnote

The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to direct the educational authorities to consider a representation regarding the mandatory collection of breakfast fees by a private school. The court reviewed the petition under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India. The core issue was the legality of collecting additional fees. The court, however, observed that the school in question had already been ordered to close by the District Educational Officer and the Estate Officer, with a cessation of school activities at that location. The writ petition was disposed of based on the representation of the respondents that the school is currently closed.

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: M. Vinoth
For the Respondents: L.S.M. Hasan Fizal

Table of Content
1. the court disposes of petitions regarding school fees when the school's operation has ceased. (Para 1 , 2 , 4)

(Order of the Court was made by L.Victoria Gowri J.)

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.04.2026 with regard to the compulsory collection of breakfast fee of Rs.7000/- per term by the 4th respondent school and consequently pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a time frame fixed by this Court.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the fourth respondent school is a private school, and the school management are collecting breakfast fee of Rs.7000/- per term, which is impermissible under the extant Rules.

3. Learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to

3 submits that the District Educational Officer, vide his proceedings dated 30.01.2026 has already issued a closure order, pursuant to which the Estate Officer, SIDCO has also issued proceedings dated 17.04.2026 stopping the schooling activity in the premises. Learned Additional Government Pleader further states that the school remains closed now. A copy of the proceedings mentioned above have also been produced before us.

4. Recording the said submission made by the learned Additional Government Pleader, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs.