Madras HC Stops Deemed Universities from Collecting Break Fee

In a crucial judgment impacting medical students across Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court has declared that deemed universities cannot demand break fees from MBBS students for attending extra classes conducted ahead of supplementary examinations. The ruling was delivered by Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan while hearing a batch of petitions filed by students of the Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE). The petitioners approached the court alleging that the university was forcibly collecting break fees in the name of special coaching sessions and had even withheld their academic certificates until the payments were made. The court observed that such practices had no legal backing under any existing regulations.

Justice Ilanthiraiyan emphasised that neither the UGC nor the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates extra classes or special coaching sessions before supplementary exams. The order clearly stated that no student can be compelled to attend such classes or pay additional tuition or associated fees. The court further noted that the circular introducing these special classes was issued solely by CARE University without any statutory requirement. The judge highlighted a key discrepancy: while the official prospectus for the MBBS course did not mention special classes or any related fees, a later-issued handbook included these details. He ruled that such handbooks and circulars are in violation of NMC regulations, making the collection of break fees unlawful. In its directive, the court ordered CARE University to stop charging break fees in any form and to refund all deposits already collected, along with 6% interest per annum. Additionally, the university has been instructed to release all withheld educational certificates within two weeks. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey