I had to drop out of engineering because I didn’t pass my exams. Now, I need my 10th and diploma mark sheets back, which I submitted during admission. The college wants a hefty sum, almost a lakh, to release them. I’m not willing to pay that much.

Indian law mandates that educational institutions cannot withhold original documents, including mark sheets, for non-payment of fees. You have the right to demand the return of your 10th and diploma mark sheets without any financial penalty, as their retention is illegal. You should contact the college authorities, citing this legal principle and seeking the immediate release of your documents.