In a major intervention, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued formal notices to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Registrar of the University of Madras, demanding an Action Taken Report within four weeks regarding grave allegations of human rights violations and academic misconduct at Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai. Additionally, a copy has been marked to the Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, to initiate appropriate administrative follow-up.
The action follows a detailed complaint filed by Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a Hyderabad-based legal advocacy group, which accused Loyola College of conducting its M.A. Philosophy program at an unauthorized off-campus Jesuit institute named Satya Nilayam, in blatant violation of University of Madras affiliation norms. The program, allegedly functioning without mandatory approvals, is claimed to be operating around 12 km away from the main Loyola campus, under a separate Jesuit-controlled entity.
More disturbingly, LRPF has alleged religious discrimination in student admissions to this program, with non-Christian students being systematically excluded, which, if true, constitutes a direct violation of Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution—guaranteeing equal access to public educational institutions irrespective of religion.
The complaint also points to a potential academic fraud, accusing Loyola College of misusing the name and official logo of the University of Madras to confer degrees that may lack legal and academic legitimacy due to improper affiliation. These allegations not only question the validity of degrees issued under such arrangements but also raise red flags about regulatory failure and institutional collusion.
Taking serious cognizance, the NHRC Bench led by Priyank Kanoongo invoked Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, classifying the issue as a possible grave human rights violation, warranting urgent institutional scrutiny.
The Commission has made it clear that no leniency will be tolerated, demanding a prompt and transparent inquiry and holding authorities accountable for any lapses.
LRPF has raised suspicion over the role of officials at the University of Madras, alleging that they neglected to conduct the mandatory inspection of Loyola College’s campus as required under the established norms and regulations governing the grant and continuation of affiliation.
Tamil Nadu: Complaint filed against Registrar of Madras University for endorsing academic fraud by Loyola College
Reports: Kunti Surender#TamilNadu #LoyolaCollegehttps://t.co/JMgrxIjlea
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 27, 2025
In March 2025, LRPF filed the complaint with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, who serves as the Chancellor of the University of Madras. That complaint had similarly flagged unauthorized academic operations and religious bias, urging the Governor to revoke both autonomous status and affiliation granted to Loyola College.
