The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into alleged corruption at Madurai Kamaraj University following a Public Interest Litigation filed by a Madurai resident, Venkatesan. The petition alleged that Gomathi, currently serving as Superintendent at the university, was involved in незаконal issuance of certificates, disclosure of university documents, and accepting bribes in granting inspections and affiliations. The petitioner contended that despite serious allegations, the university administration failed to initiate proper action and sought a fair probe with the assistance of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department.
Persons and Institutions Involved:
Venkatesan (petitioner), Gomathi (university official), Madurai Kamaraj University administration, University Registrar, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan.
Allegations and Impacts:
Illegal issuance of certificates, leaking of official documents, bribery in inspections and affiliations, violation of government service rules, alleged purchase of a Rs 2 crore house in Vandiyur, claims of lending over Rs 2 crore to staff members, potential damage to institutional credibility.
Previous Actions and Responses:
Complaint lodged with Vigilance last year, transfer to another department termed as punishment, RTI query revealing complaint forwarded back to university, Registrar’s communication closing complaint citing lack of prima facie evidence, petitioner challenging closure as improper.
Court Observations and Order:
Need for independent and proper sanction-based inquiry, complainant’s identity need not be disclosed, vigilance body cannot act merely as a forwarding agency, corruption in universities is unacceptable and affects future generations, lapse in duty warrants transfer to another agency, case transferred to CBI for investigation.
“Corruption in universities cannot be tolerated, and when investigative agencies fail in their duty, transferring the matter to another competent body becomes necessary,” the Bench observed while disposing of the petition.
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