Authority: High Court for the State of Telangana at Hyderabad

Order Date: 7 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: Chakali Uday Kiran (age 24, student, Hyderabad) and Akula Saketh (age 22, student, Hyderabad) filed separate writ petitions (Nos. 19875/2026 and 20437/2026) under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and Section 151 of the CPC.
  • Respondents: 1) State of Telangana, represented by the Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Hyderabad; 2) Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTU); 3) Principal, Nalla Malla Reddy Engineering College; 4) Director, Nalla Malla Reddy Engineering College.
  • Allegations: The college retained the petitioners' original academic documents – Provisional Certificate, Consolidated Memo, Transfer Certificate and Bonafide Certificate – after they completed their B.Tech (Computer Science & Engineering) course. The petitioners submitted written representations on 11‑06‑2026 requesting return of the certificates. The college justified retention on the ground of pending fee reimbursement from the Government.
  • Relief Sought: A writ of mandamus directing the college to release the certificates, an inquiry by the university registrar into the alleged illegal withholding, and direction to the State Higher Education Department to ensure implementation of the law governing release of educational certificates. The petitioners invoked Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
  • Counsel: Petitioners were represented by SRI MOHAMMAD FAYAZ. Respondent No.1 was represented by the Assistant Government Pleader for Higher Education. Respondent No.2 was represented by SRI PRABHAKAR PERI, Standing Counsel for JNTU. Respondents Nos.3 & 4 were represented by Ms. SHRAWYA REDDY and Mr. TARUN G. REDDY.

Final Outcome

  • The Court held that, in the absence of any statutory authority, the college had no right to retain the original certificates, which are the exclusive property of the petitioners. Retention as security for any monetary claim is unlawful.
  • Both writ petitions are allowed.
  • The petitioners are directed to submit fresh representations to the college within one (1) week of receipt of a copy of this order.
  • Upon receipt of such representations, the college must consider them and return the original certificates to the petitioners within one (1) week thereafter.
  • No costs are awarded. Any pending miscellaneous applications, if any, stand closed.

Topics: Education Certificates, Court Order