School Must Disclose Prescribed Book Prices and Seller Details Even if Website Is Controlled by Franchisor: MP High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, Gwalior, challenging a show-cause notice and an FIR registered against its Director for allegedly failing to disclose details of prescribed books, their prices, and sellers as directed by the district administration.

The petitioners argued that the school operated only as a franchise unit and had no control over the common website used by Kangaroo Kids institutions. According to them, the website was owned and managed by the franchisor, and therefore they could not independently publish the information sought by the authorities. They also contended that the educational material was developed and supplied by the franchise headquarters, leaving the local school with no role in determining prices or vendors.

Rejecting these submissions, Justice Milind Ramesh Phadke held that functioning as a franchisee does not absolve an educational institution of its statutory and regulatory obligations. The Court observed that students are admitted by the school and all educational activities are conducted under its supervision. Therefore, responsibility for complying with lawful directions cannot be shifted to the franchisor or website operator.

The Court found the explanation offered by the petitioners to be vague and unsatisfactory, noting that no concrete steps had been taken to comply with the Collector’s directions. It further held that there was no ground to interfere with the ongoing investigation under Article 226 of the Constitution. Consequently, the writ petition was dismissed as devoid of merit.