The Delhi High Court order, made public on 12th October, ordered the release of the law degree of former DUSU Chief Ronak Khatri; however, it added that the University may file a suit to recover its legitimate dues.
In an order dated 30th September, made public on 12th October, the Delhi High Court directed Delhi University to release former DUSU Chief Ronak Khatri’s degree and academic records.
Justice Jasmeet Singh ruled, “The issuance of Degree and/or Marksheets cannot be withheld to enforce payment of dues unrelated to the academic course itself, absent clear statutory or regulatory authority permitting such withholding”. The non- release of Khatri’s degree and marksheets had prevented him from registering with the Bar Council of Delhi to practise as an advocate.
While the High Court has now ordered the release of Ronak Khatri’s law degree, it also added that the University may file a civil suit for recovery of its legitimate dues. Delhi University had cleared Khatri with no objection for academic dues, but had alleged that he owed over Rs 8 lakhs in non-academic dues.
Ronak Khatri, represented by senior advocate N Hariharan along with advocates Siddharth Yadav and Ratnesh Sharma, argued that the dues cited by DU were relating to booking of International Guest House of DU, which was done with the required approval and permission as the DUSU president.
The controversy surrounding the ex-DUSU chief’s ‘legal and legitimate dues’ had come to light in February 2026, when Khatri’s degree was withheld over unpaid bills amounting to over Rs. 8 lakhs incurred during his tenure as DUSU Chief from 2024-2025.
The former DUSU chief had been issued notices to clear the pending dues in November and December 2025. Ronak Khatri had challenged the University’s action before the Delhi High Court in February, arguing that the bookings were made in his official capacity as students union president and thus the expenditures were chargeable directly to student union funds rather than individual office-bearers.
The court order made public on 12th October allowed Khatri’s plea, recognising that DU had shown “no provision of law” wherein degrees can be withheld “for non-payment of the catering service and room booking charges”.
Read Also: Former DUSU President Ronak Khatri Challenges DU Over Withheld Law Degree
Image Credit: Instagram (ronak.khatrii)
Sahaj J
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