List steps on Fee Panel Report

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the government to submit a report stating the steps being taken to implement recommendations of Justice K Raviraja Pandian Commission on collection of schools fees.The First Bench comprising Chief Justice MY Eqbal and Justice TS Sivagnanam gave the direction on Wednesday while entertaining a public interest writ petition from advocate M Sheik Mohammed Ali of Alwarthirunagar, on Wednesday.The bench said that the petition be “put up after two weeks to enable the government pleader to seek instructions and file an affidavit stating as to what steps are being taken by the government for implementing the report of Justice Raviraja Pandian.’’The petitioner contended that there was no clarity with regard to collection of school fees. Many schools were collecting fees over and above the fees prescribed by the one-man commission. While some schools issued receipts for lesser amount than collected, others did not even bother to issue the receipts. No criminal action was being taken against the schools, petitioner contended. Since it was a matter affecting the public, the HC could initiate suo motu proceedings, petitioner added.