Employer holds original certificates (asks me to deposit a non dated cheque)

Hi, My employer holds my original certificates since my joining. Currently I am planning to apply for further studies, so I need my originals for application purpose. So I requested them for certificates but they are not willing to give it, in order to get them they ask me to deposit a non dated cheque. They feel that I will abscond. Is it mandatory to deposit cheque. Please help me with your valuable suggestions.
Thanks.

Holding your original degree is wrong and an offence literally.
Asking for a cheque is equally poor HR practise.
But resisting this demand m ay result in you loosing the job.
So even if law is on your side,practical handling of situation is necessary.

Thank you for your response.
Please suggest me how to handle this practically.

Give them a written request for return of original certificates
You can even show them your higher
Study application forms
Are they asking you for blank cheque?

Yes they ask me to give me a signed cheque for 1 lakh rupees with out date.

Dear Kumar.
I do not recommend giving cheque without any date,but it depends on your conditions there.
Do you handle cash transactions/purchases/invoicing etc?
If everything is clear from your end, state the same to Management and collect the originals,leave for your higher studies.

Dear Friend,
Whatever employer is doing, it is immoral and illegal. If under pressure you are forced to give a blank cheque, make it account payee and give it. Instruct the bank to not to honour it, this is with in your right.
Please be careful in case if you have to sign any document given to you by your employer, sign it after reading and understanding it properly.
Please do not succumb to any bully or pressure.
Warm Regards
Bharat Gera
HR Consultant
9322404765