Kerala University has decided to restrict admissions for students with criminal backgrounds. Directions have been issued to college principals to restrict such admissions.
The decision purportedly comes amid growing complaints from principals that some students, previously suspended for disruptive activities, were attempting to re-enter colleges, particularly during the final phase of degree admissions where colleges fill vacant seats directly.
The issue was taken up at a recent meeting of the university’s admission monitoring committee, chaired by Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal. The meeting discussed the concerns raised by college principals regarding the admissions of a few students with criminal antecedents, who were allotted to the respective institutions through the centralised allotment process.
Besides, the prevailing University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations have removed the upper age limit for college admissions. Under such circumstances, the college managements sought guidance from the university on handling such cases.
The committee resolved to instruct all affiliated colleges and university departments to obtain declarations from students stating that they have not been debarred earlier, charged or punished in criminal cases including atrocities against women, or penalised for examination malpractice.
Principals will have the authority to cancel admissions if inquiries reveal violations of the affidavit. The college council will have the final say in such matters. Students, however, will retain the right to approach the university with admission-related grievances.
Published – September 17, 2025 07:47 pm IST
