The Supreme Court on September 03, issued notice on a plea filed by an MBBS graduate challenging the withholding of her medical degree and course completion certificate after the fees she had paid to her college were seized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the matter and listed it for further hearing on October 13, 2026.
Background Of The Case
The petitioner, Puja Kumari, was admitted to the MBBS course at Chettinad Academy of Research and Education in 2017 through the regular counselling process. She completed her MBBS course as well as the compulsory rotating medical internship.
During her studies, ₹1,13,70,500 was paid towards her college fees through banking transactions. The NIA later seized the amount during an investigation involving members of her family. The petitioner herself was not made an accused in the case.
Following the seizure, the college withheld her MBBS degree, provisional certificate and course completion certificate, taking the position that the fee had not ultimately been realised by the institution.
The petitioner approached the Madras High Court, arguing that she had already paid the prescribed fees and should not be required to pay the same amount again.
The High Court did not grant relief. It observed that the college could not be expected to recover the seized amount from the investigating agency and said the petitioner could approach the Special NIA Court for release of the funds.
The High Court further observed that, despite the petitioner not being an accused, she could not claim an equitable benefit from money alleged to have originated from unlawful activities.
Challenging the High Court order, the petitioner approached the Supreme Court. Her plea contends that she should not bear the financial consequences of proceedings in which she has not been accused.
The Supreme Court has now issued notice to the respondents and fixed the matter for further hearing.
Case Details:
Case Title: Puja Kumari vs Union Of India
Case Number: SLP(C) No. 29658/2026
Judges: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: September 4, 2026
