The Madras High Court has appointed retired judge Justice V Bharathidasan to investigate alleged irregularities in faculty appointments at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli. A division bench of Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman issued the order while hearing petitions from retired professors of the university.
Allegations of Unqualified Appointments
The petitioners claimed that during the academic year 2015-2016, several individuals who did not meet the required qualifications were appointed to faculty positions, causing financial loss to the university. They also sought implementation of a syndicate resolution to appoint a retired high court judge for the inquiry, but the request was previously rejected as the matter was sub judice.
University's Stance
The university's counsel informed the court that a resolution had already been passed to appoint a retired judge for the inquiry and expressed no objection to the court's appointment. The division bench appointed Justice Bharathidasan, noting that he may engage two advocates to assist in the inquiry.
Terms of Inquiry
The court directed the university registrar to pay a remuneration of 3 lakh rupees to the retired judge, along with expenses for the appointed advocates. The university must also provide all necessary facilities, including travel and logistical support. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 16.
