Child rights activists have objected to a recent circular issued by the University of Kerala requiring students seeking admission to submit a self-declaration that they have not been accused or punished for any crime.
The circular also mandates that applicants declare that they have not been expelled from any college, nor have they been penalized for examination malpractices. However, the Directive does not distinguish between offenses allegedly committed when the applicant was a minor and offenses committed after reaching the age of majority.
This is said to be contrary to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 (JJ Act), which protects the rights of minors and expressly prohibits any disqualification or adverse consequence for offenses committed before the age of 18.
Parents of several college applicants involved in cases before the Juvenile Justice Board have expressed concern over the university’s directive.
Child rights activist and former member of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) J. Sandhya says the circular could have far-reaching implications and appears to have been issued without adequate study.
“The directive compels families to disclose cases registered when the applicant was a minor, even though such disclosure is expressly prohibited by the JJ Act. Section 24 of the Act prohibits any disqualification or adverse consequence for an offense committed by a person under the age of 18. The provision embodies the principles of confidentiality and a fresh start to ensure that a child who comes into conflict with the law is not exposed in the future educational stigma or discrimination.” job opportunities,” he says.
KeSCPCR Chairman KV Manoj Kumar pointed out that cases involving minors fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Council and cannot be tried by any other body. He said the commission would register a suo motu case and ask the university for a formal explanation on the implementation of the circular.
Responding to the criticism, the university’s responsible vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal clarified that the circular was intended only as a general guide and that there was an appeal option in case of complaints. “The university will act as an appellate body and consider such cases on an individual basis,” he said.
Dr. Kunnummal said the guideline was introduced following a query from a college that received an admission request from a student who was earlier expelled for examination malpractice. “The measure is intended to provide guidance to colleges and instill a sense of security in parents,” he added.
Published – 28 Oct 2025 20:02 IST
