Is It Fair to Hold Employees' Original Educational Documents Until They Settle Dues?

Dear HR Professionals,

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2016! My name is Shekhar, and I work as an HR officer in the automobile industry in Noida. Recently, my boss asked me whether we can retain the original educational documents of all employees until their relieving and return them only after they have cleared their dues such as Full and Final Settlements, Notice period, and company assets.

Please share your comments on this matter, and your input and expertise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks & Regards,
Shekhar

There are several posts on the same topic in this forum. Kindly read them. Access these posts by using the search button. However, to make it short and simple, the practice of retaining educational certificates until leaving is highly irregular and not a good HR practice.