Kerala High Court Orders University to Release Certificates to Nursing Graduates Amidst Pending Disciplinary Proceedings

The court directs Kerala University of Health Sciences to issue essential certificates to students for higher studies and professional registration despite ongoing investigations.

In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) to release Transfer, Conduct, and Course Certificates to nursing graduates who were previously suspended due to pending disciplinary proceedings. The decision was rendered by Justice N. Nagaresh in response to a writ petition filed by Aleena Dileep and others, who completed their BSc Nursing course in March 2025.

The petitioners had been indefinitely suspended by their college in November 2024 due to certain alleged charges. Despite completing their academic course, the students were denied essential certificates required for higher studies and professional registration with the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council. This denial was based on the ongoing police investigation into the alleged charges against them.

During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that the Board of Adjudication of Students Grievance (BASG) had not adequately addressed the students' grievances, and the college authorities continued to withhold the necessary documents, causing significant distress and uncertainty for the graduates.

Justice N. Nagaresh emphasized that once students have successfully completed their course, disciplinary proceedings should not impede the issuance of essential academic certificates. The court noted that such documents are crucial for the students' future educational and professional endeavors. Therefore, the court ordered the respondents, including the college authorities and KUHS, to expedite the issuance of the certificates and facilitate the students' registration with the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council.

This judgment underscores the importance of balancing disciplinary actions with the students' right to pursue further education and professional opportunities. It also highlights the court's role in ensuring that educational institutions do not unjustly hinder students' futures due to unresolved disciplinary matters.

Bottom Line:

Educational Institutions - Students cannot be denied essential certificates like Transfer, Conduct, and Course Certificates after the completion of their course due to pending disciplinary proceedings, especially when they are required for higher studies or professional registration.

Statutory provision(s): University Act, First Statutes, Guidelines of the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council

Aleena Dileep v. Kerala University of Health Sciences, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2796452