Court Directs Issuance of Certificate to Walia Murshida Huda, Subject to Outcome of Criminal Proceedings
The Gauhati High Court, on June 12, 2026, delivered a significant judgment in the case of Walia Murshida Huda v. State of Assam, directing the issuance of the original Final MBBS Pass certificate to Walia Murshida Huda. The decision was rendered by Justice Mr. Budi Habung, emphasizing that the mere pendency of a criminal proceeding, without any adjudication of guilt, does not justify the indefinite withholding of educational certificates.
Walia Murshida Huda, the petitioner, had completed her MBBS course and statutory internship at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. Despite fulfilling all academic requirements and being granted final registration by the Assam Council of Medical Registration in 2016, her MBBS certificate was withheld due to an ongoing criminal case relating to her admission.
The Court observed that similar candidates, namely Jutitara Das and Aviral Watsa, had already received their certificates, highlighting a disparity in the treatment of the petitioner. Justice Habung underscored the principle of parity and fairness, stating that without a conviction, the withholding of the certificate was prejudicial.
In a detailed order, the Court directed the Principal of Assam Medical College to issue the certificate within two months, while clarifying that the issuance would be subject to the final outcome of the criminal proceedings. The Court also instructed the authorities to update the petitioner's registration particulars with the concerned regulatory body, ensuring her qualifications are duly recognized.
This decision marks a critical stance on balancing the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings with the rights of individuals to their educational credentials. The writ petition filed by Huda, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, sought judicial intervention to rectify the administrative oversight.
The judgment highlights the Court's commitment to uphold justice by ensuring that educational achievements are not unjustly clouded by pending legal matters, reaffirming the principle that every individual is innocent until proven guilty.
Bottom line:-
Mere pendency of a criminal proceeding, without adjudication of guilt, cannot be a valid basis for indefinite withholding of the original Final MBBS Pass certificate, especially when the petitioner has successfully completed the course, internship, and has been granted registration.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India
Walia Murshida Huda v. State of Assam, (Gauhati) : Law Finder Doc id # 2922455
