Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Thursday questioned the state on whether there was any system to ensure colleges do not harass students by holding back certificates over pending scholarships and tuition fee reimbursements.The bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin directed the minorities welfare department to come up with a grievance redressal mechanism so that innocent students were not forced to come to courts or approach human rights commissions to get their certificates released held back for months.
“What is the mechanism… to ensure that the circular (issued by minorities welfare department) is implemented? Any grievance redressal cell, toll free number, any help desk?” the HC asked.The bench made the observations after the minorities welfare department informed it that while the bills were pending with the finance department, it issued a circular to all institutions in 2024 instructing them not to resort to any coercive steps against students by retaining their certificates over pending fees.The bench also directed the finance department to file a counter in two weeks on the aspect of pending bills.“They are studying on scholarships because they cannot afford the fees. For them, even to approach a court for release (of certificates), is not free,” the bench said while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by ASEEM (Association for Socio Economic Empowerment of the Marginalised) and Students Islamic Organisation, Telangana.The PIL sought directions to the govt for immediate release of all pending scholarships and tuition reimbursements and also to direct colleges to strictly prohibit them from withholding original certificates over unpaid dues and end “unjust coercion”.The matter was posted to March 3 for further hearing.
