A man has lodged a complaint with the district chief educational officer (CEO) in Coimbatore after a private International Baccalaureate (IB) school allegedly asked him to collect transfer certificates (TCs) for his two children. The request came after he questioned a penalty imposed on him despite paying the term fee before the school reopened.
Background of the Case
Senthilraja CG, 44, a resident near SITRA on Avinashi Road, stated that his 14-year-old son is in Class X and his 9-year-old daughter is in Class IV at the school. He mentioned that the family pays approximately Rs 4 lakh per child annually.
In his complaint, Senthilraja said he paid Rs 1,58,500 on May 19 towards the first-term fee for both children for the 2026 academic year. He alleged that the school also collected a penalty of Rs 9,500 per child. Since the payment was made before the academic year began, he emailed the management on May 23 seeking a refund.
Alleged Retaliatory Action
Senthilraja claimed he was called to the school on May 27 to discuss the issue but was denied entry, spoken to in a derogatory manner, and asked to leave. On May 28, he received an email asking him to collect the children’s TCs, he alleged.
He asserted that the move was retaliatory, especially as his son was due to take board examinations in about three months and shifting to another IB school would be difficult. He said the school’s action affected the children’s right to education and mental wellbeing.
Questioning Early Fee Collection
Senthilraja added that the school had asked parents through an email to pay the first-term fee one month in advance, which he missed as he was on vacation. He questioned why the school insisted on collecting fees two to three months early.
Steps Taken
Senthilraja said he had sent petitions to the CEO by email and post and also complained to the district collectorate. He stated he would submit a direct representation to the CEO on Monday seeking immediate intervention and action against the school.
