Delhi University Withholds Former Student Union President's Law Degree Over Unpaid Bills
New Delhi: In a significant administrative action, Delhi University has officially withheld the LLB degree and academic marksheets of former Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri. This decision stems from alleged unpaid guesthouse and catering bills incurred during his tenure, which collectively amount to approximately Rs 9 lakh.
Details of the Outstanding Dues and University Notices
Ronak Khatri completed his LLB degree from the Campus Law Centre in the 2024-25 academic session and concluded his term as DUSU president on August 16 last year. Following his departure from office, the DUSU administration issued two formal notices to him in November and December, demanding clearance of the pending dues.
The first notice, dated November 17, detailed University Guest House bills totaling Rs 1,38,310. These charges were for bookings made between February and August 2025. The very next day, a second notice was dispatched, outlining additional bills from the International Guest House and catering services amounting to Rs 7,63,245, also for bookings during the same February-August 2025 period.
In this second communication, issued by the DUSU staff adviser, Khatri was explicitly informed that "you will not be issued your marksheet or degree till the pending payment is not made by your side." On that same date, the staff adviser also formally wrote to the university's controller of examinations, directing that the "release of degrees and marksheets… shall be withheld until the pending payments are cleared."
Khatri's Defense and Career Implications
In response to these allegations, Ronak Khatri has presented a detailed defense. He told media outlets that all the bookings in question were made strictly in his official capacity as DUSU president for legitimate student union programs and events. According to his statement, these expenses were authorized and meant to be settled using the designated DUSU funds.
"These bookings were made for student union activities after seeking permission from university officials and under the supervision of the staff adviser. The expenses were meant to be cleared from the DUSU funds. Holding me personally liable is untenable," Khatri asserted. He further criticized the university's action as illegal, emphasizing that withholding his degree has severely impacted his professional trajectory, as he cannot enroll with the Bar Council of India without the official LLB degree certificate.
University Administration's Counter-Argument
DUSU staff adviser Surender Kumar provided a contrasting account, specifically denying that approval was granted for bookings at the International Guest House. "International Guest House does not fall under the venues permitted for DUSU activities that can be paid from the DUSU fund. No approval was given by me for such bookings," he stated.
Regarding the timing of the notices, Kumar explained that the process was initiated only after the guesthouse forwarded the outstanding bills, which required clearance through the vice-chancellor's office. "Once the guesthouse forwarded the bills, which had to be cleared through the vice-chancellor's office, the order was issued for recovering the amount from the office bearer concerned," he clarified.
Legal Recourse and Pending Court Hearing
Challenging the university's decision, Ronak Khatri has filed a petition before the Delhi High Court. The court has acknowledged the plea and issued a formal notice to Delhi University, seeking its response. The matter has been scheduled for a hearing in March, where the legal validity of withholding the degree over alleged administrative dues will be examined.
This case highlights the complex interplay between student union responsibilities, university fund management, and the academic consequences for office bearers. It raises pertinent questions about procedural approvals, financial accountability, and the mechanisms for dispute resolution within university administrative frameworks.
