Hyderabad, 12 June
Telangana HC Orders Strict Action Against Colleges Withholding Student Certificates Over Fee Dues
The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to take effective measures to ensure that private colleges do not withhold students’ original certificates on the grounds of pending fee reimbursement dues.
The court observed that several students are being compelled to approach the Human Rights Commission and the High Court to recover their certificates, highlighting the absence of an effective mechanism to address such grievances.
Court Recommends Dedicated Grievance Redressal System
During the hearing, the High Court suggested the establishment of a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism to resolve complaints related to the release of original educational certificates.
The bench noted that a structured dispute resolution system would help students secure timely relief and reduce the need for prolonged legal proceedings.
PIL Filed Over Fee Reimbursement Dues
The observations were made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Association for Social and Economic Empowerment of Backwards Classes and Islamic Students (ASEEM).
The petition raised concerns regarding pending fee reimbursement dues and alleged that several private educational institutions were withholding students’ certificates, adversely affecting their academic and employment opportunities.
Division Bench Hears Matter
The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Mohd. Moinuddin on Thursday.
The bench examined the concerns raised in the PIL and sought a broader response from the government regarding the issue.
Government Seeks Inclusion of Welfare Departments
Appearing for the state government, Additional Advocate General Imran Khan informed the court that the problem of pending fee reimbursement dues was not confined to minority students alone but affected students from various communities.
He requested that other welfare departments associated with fee reimbursement schemes be made parties to the case to facilitate a comprehensive resolution.
Hearing Adjourned for Three Weeks
After considering the submissions, the High Court directed that the concerned welfare departments be impleaded in the matter and adjourned the hearing for three weeks.
The court’s intervention is being viewed as a significant step toward safeguarding students’ rights and ensuring that educational institutions do not withhold original certificates due to unresolved fee reimbursement issues.