Telangana HC Orders Helpdesk After Colleges Accused Of Withholding Certificates Over Fee Dues

The Telangana High Court has taken serious note of complaints that several colleges across the state are allegedly harassing students by withholding their original certificates over pending fee reimbursement and scholarship amounts.

The court has directed the government to put in place a formal grievance redressal system, including a helpdesk or toll-free number, to address the issue and ensure students are not forced into legal battles for documents that are rightfully theirs.

Court Flags Harassment of Students Over Government Dues

The division bench observed that many students are being compelled to approach the Human Rights Commission and courts after college managements refused to release original certificates, citing unpaid dues that are yet to be cleared by the government. The court said such practices place an unfair burden on students, especially when the delay is not attributable to them.

The bench hearing the matter comprised Chief Justice AK Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin.

PIL Seeks Release of Scholarships and Fee Reimbursements

The issue reached the court through Public Interest Litigations filed by the Association for Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Marginalised, also known as ASEEM. The petitions sought the immediate release of pending tuition fee reimbursements and scholarships, along with a prohibition on colleges retaining certificates on the grounds of financial arrears.

Counsel appearing for the petitioners argued that delays in implementing government welfare schemes were being unfairly passed on to students, particularly those from marginalised communities who depend on these funds to complete their education.

Government Circular Exists, Monitoring Lacking: Court

During the hearing, the government informed the court that a circular had already been issued instructing colleges not to take coercive action against students due to pending scholarship payments. However, the court expressed concern over the lack of effective monitoring and noted that instructions alone were insufficient without accountability.

The bench directed the minority welfare department to strictly oversee compliance with the government's instructions and to establish a dedicated mechanism through which students can lodge complaints against erring institutions.

Finance Department Asked to Explain Pending Dues

The court also directed the Finance Department to file a counter affidavit detailing the status of pending fee reimbursement and scholarship payments. This, the bench said, was necessary to assess the scale of the problem and fix responsibility for delays.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 3.