Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal has issued a circular directing colleges to bar admission to students involved in criminal cases.

According to the circular, students seeking admission must submit a self-declaration stating that they are not involved in any criminal proceedings. The circular warns that any false declaration could lead to strict action against the student at a later stage.

The circular also outlines the aspects to be verified during the admission process.

Colleges must check whether the applicant has been debarred from any institution, is involved in criminal cases, has been part of offences against women, has faced any punishment under such cases, or has been implicated in examination malpractice.

All these details must be included in the self-declaration submitted by the student.

The decision was met with criticism from the Students Federation of India (SFI). SFI is reportedly planning to launch a protest against the move by the Vice-Chancellor.