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Education Law
Education disputes are unusually time-sensitive. An admission window closes, a result is withheld, a degree is not accepted for a job application, or a teacher’s approval is held up for months. In many of these situations the remedy depends on acting before a deadline passes.
Adv. K Rajesh Kannan, a High Court of Kerala advocate with over 24 years of practice, handles education matters for students, parents, teachers and institutions, including representations to universities and government departments and writ petitions before the High Court of Kerala where the authorities have acted unfairly or not at all.
A recurring issue in Kerala is the recognition of qualifications. Candidates with degrees from universities outside the state, from distance education programmes or from abroad are often asked for an equivalency certificate from a Kerala university before they can apply to the Public Service Commission, take up a job or join a higher course. Refusals and delays in these cases can frequently be challenged.
Education matters handled include:
- Equivalency certificates and recognition of degrees
- Admission and seat allotment disputes
- Examination, result and revaluation issues
- Disciplinary action against students
- Service matters of teachers and staff in aided and private institutions
- Approval of appointments and related disputes
- Fee, refund and certificate retention disputes
Questions people often ask
My degree is from another university. Do I need an equivalency certificate in Kerala?
Kerala universities and recruiting bodies often ask for one, particularly for degrees from universities in other states or from distance programmes. The Kerala State Higher Education Council has set up a State Level Academic Committee to deal with disputes over equivalency. In June 2025, the High Court of Kerala held that degrees from national institutions such as IGNOU, recognised by the UGC, cannot be required to carry an equivalency certificate from a state university (Harisankar S. v. State of Kerala, WP(C) No. 15672 of 2025). Whether this helps in your case depends on the degree and the purpose for which it is being used.
My equivalency application was rejected. What can I do?
Ask for the reasons in writing and check them against the university’s regulations and the relevant government orders. A reasoned representation, a reference to the State Level Academic Committee, or a writ petition before the High Court may be available depending on the facts.
Is there a time limit for approaching the High Court?
No fixed period applies to writ petitions, but unexplained delay can lead the court to refuse relief. In admission and examination matters, the practical deadline is often the date on which the seat or opportunity will be lost.
To discuss an education matter, you can book a consultation or call the office on +91 94472 90234.
This page gives general information about the law in Kerala. It is not legal advice on any particular case.
