KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order directing community schools to stop collecting fees from students and parents under any pretext.

A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Mahesh Sharma Paudel ruled on Sunday that free and compulsory education is a constitutionally guaranteed right.

Arjun Prasad Koirala, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, stated that the government must bear all operational costs and budget requirements if schools face financial difficulties.

The ruling follows a writ filed on February 15, 2024, challenging the various admission and examination fees charged by schools.

While the mandamus has been issued, the full text of the verdict is currently pending.