Delhi HC Seeks Clarity From Private Schools On Pay Arrears To Teachers

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has recently directed several private schools across the capital to submit affidavits detailing how they have implemented the Sixth and Seventh Central Pay Commission salary recommendations for their teaching and non-teaching staff.

Background

A Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Renu Bhatnagar issued this order during hearings on multiple appeals filed by teachers from institutions such as DAV Public School, GD Goenka Public School, ASN Sr. Secondary School, St. Margaret Senior Secondary School, and others. The appeals challenge a prior decision by a Single Judge, which recognized the teachers’ right to revised CPC-scale salaries but also appointed a committee to assess whether the schools had adequate funds to pay these salaries and to scrutinize staff eligibility and appointments.

Teachers Argue Committee Exceeds Petition’s Scope

Counsel for the teachers argued that appointing a committee to evaluate the schools’ financial capacity and staff credentials exceeded the original scope of their petitions. The teachers’ primary demand was enforcement of salary payments under the Sixth and Seventh CPCs, not a review of school finances or service conditions.

Schools Cite Funding Constraints Amid Fee Hike Restrictions

Representing the schools, counsel explained that regulatory authorities had not permitted fee increases, leaving many schools financially constrained and unable to fully implement the revised CPC pay scales. Some schools stated they had already adopted the new pay scales at different times and had partially paid arrears.

Court Orders Unified Affidavit Filing Within 4 Weeks

To clarify these conflicting claims, the Court directed each school involved to file a consolidated affidavit (one per school, not per case) within four weeks. The affidavit must specify whether the Seventh CPC has been implemented, the date of implementation if applicable, details of arrears paid under both Sixth and Seventh CPCs, and any pending amounts.

Next Step

Schools are required to provide copies of their affidavits to the teachers’ legal representatives, who may file their responses within two weeks after receipt. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on September 17, 2025.