Kuwait Expat Nurse Recovers Certificates Through Delhi High Court Intervention – Pravasi Legal Cell
Kuwait Expat Nurse Recovers Certificates Through Delhi High Court Intervention – Pravasi Legal Cell
A Kuwait-based expatriate nurse has successfully recovered his original educational certificates following the intervention of the Delhi High Court. The beneficiary, Jacob Varghese, who works as a nurse in Kuwait, received back all his original documents after legal action was initiated through Pravasi Legal Cell.
Jacob had enrolled in a Post B.Sc. Nursing course at a college in Bengaluru after completing his nursing studies. At the time of admission, he had submitted all his original certificates to the institution. However, when he later requested the return of the documents within a few days, the college reportedly refused, insisting that the full fee for the two-year course be paid before the certificates could be released.
Following this, Jacob approached the Delhi High Court through Pravasi Legal Cell, seeking action against the college for violating UGC guidelines, which clearly state that educational institutions should not retain students’ original certificates.
Justice Vikas Mahajan directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to take action on the petition within four weeks. However, when no action was taken by the UGC, a contempt petition was filed against UGC Chairman Dr. Vineet Joshi. The court further warned that UGC officials would be required to appear personally before the Delhi High Court at the next hearing if action was not initiated.
Subsequently, the nursing college returned all the original certificates to Jacob Varghese.
Pravasi Legal Cell stated that it took up the matter, considering the exploitation faced by an expatriate student who was unable to continue his higher education due to financial difficulties. Adv. Jose Abraham and Adv. Basil Jason, representing Pravasi Legal Cell, appeared before the Delhi High Court in the matter.
The organization also noted that Pravasi Legal Cell had earlier secured orders from both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court against the bond system imposed on nurses. Despite these rulings, the bond system reportedly continues in various forms. The organization added that the judgments obtained by Pravasi Legal Cell would be beneficial for others facing similar issues.
This was stated in a press release issued by Pravasi Legal Cell spokesperson Sudheer Thiru Nilath, Country Head Babu Francis, Chapter President Biju Stephen, and General Secretary Shyjith K.
