The Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to ensure that the investigation into fake degree certificates, including fraudulent People Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM) certificates issued by Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), reaches its logical conclusion.
Background of the Case
The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by G Sakthi Rao of Madurai. Earlier, the court had directed the DVAC to inquire into the issuance of fake PSTM certificates. A division bench comprising Justice P Velmurugan and Justice B Pugalendhi observed that there are serious allegations that candidates are obtaining fake degree certificates fraudulently from various universities to avail benefits under PSTM reservation.
Court's Observations
The judges noted that the investigation was not conducted properly until the court intervened, and the universities involved stalled the probe by failing to provide necessary documents. They stated that there is a clear case of contempt of court directions. However, since the investigation is ongoing and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has taken steps to cancel the provisional selection of candidates who secured jobs using fake degrees, the court refrained from imposing punishment on any officers.
The judges remarked, "The contempt proceedings have provided a harsh realisation to the court that money power and influence has spoiled every corner of our society and even the educational institutions have become rotten to their core."
Directions Issued
The court directed the DVAC to probe the issue of fake and fraudulent degree certificates in other universities and initiate criminal prosecutions against candidates and officials involved without further delay. The DVAC must also investigate how study centres of universities are functioning and whether they facilitate such fraudulent activities.
Universities have been directed to cooperate strictly with the investigation and cancel degrees obtained fraudulently. If university officials wilfully fail to provide required documents, the DVAC shall undertake criminal prosecution under Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing disappearance of evidence and screening offenders from legal punishment.
Conclusion
The court observed that it has done all it can to uncover the truth regarding malpractices and closed the contempt proceedings, stating that keeping the petition pending would not serve any purpose.
