College Certificate Harassment: Malla Reddy Engineering College Fined Over Certificate Harassment Of Student

College Certificate Harassment: A significant ruling by the Hyderabad District Consumer Commission has brought relief to a former engineering student who allegedly faced Certificate Harassment after discontinuing his studies due to financial difficulties. The commission held Malla Reddy Engineering College responsible for causing academic setbacks and mental distress by refusing to return the student’s original documents.

The case dates back to 2021 when the student enrolled in a BTech program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the college. During admission, the institution collected his original educational certificates along with the first year tuition fee. However, financial challenges forced the student to discontinue his studies after completing the first semester.

According to the complaint, the student and his father repeatedly approached the college seeking the return of the original certificates. The family argued that the documents were necessary for pursuing employment opportunities and alternative educational options. Despite their requests, the college allegedly insisted on additional payment related to the remaining course period before releasing the certificates.

The prolonged dispute reportedly left the student unable to continue his academic journey for several years. Without access to his original documents, he struggled to secure admissions elsewhere and lost valuable educational opportunities. The commission noted that the delay had a direct impact on his future prospects.

The matter reached the Hyderabad District Consumer Commission after the student filed a complaint seeking justice. Once notices were issued by the commission, the college returned the certificates and requested closure of the case. However, the commission decided to examine the consequences of the institution’s actions rather than ending the proceedings.

After reviewing the case, the commission concluded that the student had experienced considerable hardship due to the college’s conduct. It observed that the Certificate Harassment resulted in mental suffering and the loss of multiple academic years, making compensation necessary.

The commission ordered Malla Reddy Engineering College to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the student along with Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses. Authorities further directed that the amount be paid within 45 days of the order.

The ruling also warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would attract an annual interest rate of nine percent. The decision is being viewed as an important message to educational institutions regarding the handling of student certificates and academic rights.