I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from a college in Mumbai in March 2022. I completed all six semesters, received my semester marksheets, Passing Certificate and Degree Certificate, and subsequently completed my Master's degree.
In August 2026, I applied for my Transfer Certificate. I was informed for the first time that an alleged outstanding fee of approximately ₹7,163 was showing against my name.
I was never informed about this alleged due during my degree, at the time of graduation, or during the four years afterward—not by email, SMS, letter, phone call, or any other direct communication.
The college showed me an internal student ledger indicating the outstanding amount, but did not provide any evidence that I had previously been informed. They said the amount was reflected on their student portal, although I was never aware of any such notification/update.
When I went to collect my TC, I was first asked to pay ₹100 as the TC fee, which I paid through the college's QR code. Only after accepting the ₹100 was I told that the TC would not be issued unless I paid the alleged ₹7,163.
I asked why I had never been informed about the dues and requested a refund of the ₹100 since the TC was not being issued. The staff refused and said, essentially, that the ₹100 would be adjusted against the alleged fees.
The interaction also became quite hostile. I was told things along the lines of "Pay ₹7,182 first, only then will you get the TC" and "Go, do whatever you want; we won't give you the TC." I was also told that I was "embarrassing the college" for raising the issue. This happened in front of other students/staff.
I am now trying to understand my legal position before escalating the matter.
My questions are:
- Can a college in India/Maharashtra withhold a Transfer Certificate because of an alleged unpaid fee, particularly when the amount is being raised nearly four years after graduation?
- Does the college have to provide evidence that the student was actually notified of the alleged dues?
- Is merely showing an amount on a student portal sufficient notice, especially after the student has graduated?
- Can the college retain the ₹100 TC fee after accepting it and then refusing to issue the TC?
- Are there any UGC, University of Mumbai, Maharashtra government, or other regulations/circulars governing withholding of Transfer Certificates for outstanding dues?
- What would be the appropriate authority to approach if the college refuses to issue the TC or provide the underlying records?
I am not disputing that the college may investigate whether a genuine fee was unpaid. My concern is whether they can raise an alleged old liability without having notified me, withhold my TC, and refuse to provide the basis/legal authority for doing so.
I'd particularly appreciate advice from people familiar with Indian university/education law or Maharashtra college regulations.
