Telangana HC Demands Fee Reimbursement Date

The Telangana High Court has mandated the state government to provide a definitive date for the settlement of outstanding fee reimbursement dues owed to private engineering colleges. This crucial directive was issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, during the hearing of multiple petitions filed by these institutions. The colleges are contesting specific stipulations within a Government Order (GO) enacted on April 29, 2026, which governs the educational fee reimbursement process.

Justice Juvvadi Sridevi granted the state a final opportunity to submit comprehensive counter-affidavits detailing the timeline for clearing these dues. This decision was made considering the imminent commencement of the 2026-27 academic year in July 2026. The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2026, for further proceedings, with the court extending an interim suspension on a clause that prohibits colleges from demanding tuition fees at the time of admission.

The special government pleader requested additional time to finalize instructions on settling arrears for various student categories up to the 2025-26 academic year and the transition to a direct benefit transfer (DBT) system. Petitioners urged the court to extend the interim suspension of the fee collection clause, citing delays in the state's response and the approaching new academic session. Simultaneously, some students sought to join the proceedings, alleging that colleges are pressuring them to pay fee dues.