Private school refusing fee refund on withdrawal

What you need to know

Education is a service under Consumer Protection Act. Supreme Court held schools cannot forfeit entire fees for mid-year withdrawals. Entitled to pro-rata refund for unused months.

Your rights

Pro-rata refund of fees for unused months

Refund of deposits and caution money

Consumer Forum complaint

Approach District Education Officer

What you should do now

Action first

Submit withdrawal and demand refund in writing

Email principal with withdrawal date and request for TC + refund of unused months
Cite Supreme Court ruling — schools cannot forfeit fees for unused period

If school refuses

File Consumer Forum complaint — education is a consumer service
Consumer Forum regularly orders school fee refunds

Acts applicable

Consumer Protection Act 2019

central

Education as consumer service — deficiency

Where to complain

National Consumer Helpline 1800-11-4000 Consumer Complaint — e-Jagriti Portal Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board

Consumer complaint portal: e-jagriti.gov.in (replaced edaakhil.nic.in as of Jan 2025). Labour complaints: col.gujarat.gov.in. All links verified June 2026 via web search against official government sources.