The Telangana High Court has ruled that educational institutions cannot withhold a student’s original academic certificates for non-payment of fees, directing Mahindra University to immediately return the documents of a B.Tech graduate.
Justice Surepalli Nanda passed the order while disposing of a writ petition filed by a student who alleged that the university refused to release her marks sheet and degree certificate due to alleged pending fee dues. The Court held that certificates are the property of students and institutions cannot retain them as a means to recover fees.
The Court emphasized that if any amount is due, institutions must adopt appropriate legal remedies rather than using coercive methods such as withholding academic documents.
Background of the Case
The petitioner, Bhashapaka Pragna Vardhini, completed her B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Mahindra University in 2024. However, despite completing the course and attending the convocation, she received only a provisional certificate.
According to the petition, the university refused to release her original marks sheet and degree certificate citing alleged unpaid tuition fees.
The student stated that she belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Madiga) community and was facing financial hardship, which prevented her from clearing the alleged dues immediately. She argued that withholding her certificates severely affected her ability to pursue higher studies and seek employment opportunities.
Earlier, the student had approached the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC), which recommended that the university return her certificates within three days. However, the university challenged those proceedings before the High Court and obtained a stay, prompting the student to file the present writ petition.
Arguments Presented in Court
The petitioner argued that the university’s refusal to return the original certificates was illegal, arbitrary, and violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
It was also submitted that guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) clearly prohibit institutions from retaining original academic certificates of students.
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Additionally, a communication issued by the Telangana Council of Higher Education in August 2024 instructed universities and affiliated colleges not to withhold students’ certificates on the ground of pending fee reimbursement or unpaid tuition fees.
Court’s Key Observations
Justice Surepalli Nanda observed that withholding original certificates is impermissible under law and contrary to UGC guidelines.
The Court reiterated that academic certificates belong to the student and educational institutions have no lien over them.
The judgment stated that colleges cannot adopt coercive tactics to compel payment of fees and must instead initiate proper legal proceedings for recovery.
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The Court also referred to several earlier rulings of the Telangana High Court and other High Courts which held that educational institutions cannot retain original certificates of students even if fees are pending.
The Court further noted that regulatory authorities had already issued clear instructions prohibiting such practices, yet students continue to approach courts for relief.
Final Decision of the Court
The Telangana High Court disposed of the writ petition with directions to Mahindra University to return riginal educational certificates and documents, including the marks sheet and degree certificate, to the petitioner immediately.
The Court clarified that while the institution may pursue lawful remedies to recover any pending dues, it cannot retain the student’s certificates as leverage.
No costs were imposed in the case.
Case Details
Case Title: Bhashapaka Pragna Vardhini v. State of Telangana & Others
Court: Telangana High Court
Judge: Justice Surepalli Nanda
Decision Date: 9 January 2026
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 40238 of 2025
