Anna University Moves Madras High Court Against Governor's Order on VC Suspension
In a significant legal development, Anna University has filed a petition in the Madras High Court challenging an order issued by its chancellor, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, which revoked the suspension of former Vice-Chancellor R Velraj. The suspension was initially imposed due to corruption charges related to alleged irregularities in faculty appointments at affiliated colleges.
University Argues Chancellor Overstepped Jurisdiction
Representing Anna University, counsel Richardson Wilson argued that the chancellor does not possess supervisory or appellate authority over the decisions made by the university's syndicate. "The chancellor of the university is not an authority superior to the syndicate of the institution. He does not have supervisory or appellate power over the decisions of the syndicate," Wilson stated in court.
The university's petition further emphasized that the chancellor acted beyond his legal boundaries. "He acted in excess of jurisdiction by assuming an appellate or supervisory power over the syndicate, a power that the Anna University Act does not confer upon him to modify an order of suspension passed by the syndicate," the document added.
Background of the Corruption Case
The controversy stems from an internal investigation conducted by Anna University, which uncovered that during Velraj's tenure, several affiliated colleges allegedly filled over 2,000 faculty positions through fake appointments. Shockingly, hundreds of these faculty members were shown as working simultaneously in multiple colleges, raising serious questions about administrative oversight and integrity.
In response to these findings, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) sought permission from the chancellor on January 10, 2025, to register a regular case against Velraj under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, in a communication dated July 30, 2025, the chancellor declined to grant this permission, effectively blocking a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Timeline of Key Events
The sequence of events leading to the current legal battle is as follows:
- July 31, 2025: The university's syndicate held a meeting and resolved to suspend Velraj with immediate effect, preventing his retirement which was due on the same day.
- July 31, 2025: The convenor committee, acting on behalf of the VC, issued a proceeding directing the registrar to place Velraj under suspension and bar his retirement.
- September 5, 2025: The chancellor allowed an appeal filed by Velraj, setting aside the suspension order and permitting him to retire with all terminal benefits.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Justice M Dhandapani of the Madras High Court has admitted the university's plea and directed the chancellor's office to file a response within four weeks. This move sets the stage for a detailed legal examination of the chancellor's powers under the Anna University Act and the validity of the suspension revocation.
The case highlights critical issues of governance, accountability, and the separation of powers within educational institutions. As the legal process unfolds, it will likely have broader implications for administrative procedures in universities across Tamil Nadu and potentially beyond.
