CHENNAI, July 24: In a major intervention that could shape regulatory oversight in higher education, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued conditional summons to the Registrar of the University of Madras and the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The summons directs them to appear before the NHRC on August 19, 2025, unless the Commission receives the required reports by August 12, 2025.
This development follows continued non-compliance by UGC and University of Madras in submitting a satisfactory explanation regarding serious allegations levelled against Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai—specifically, the operation of its M.A. Philosophy programme at an unauthorised off-campus Jesuit facility in Thiruvanmiyur.
Background:
The case originated from a formal complaint filed on April 4, 2025, by A.S. Santhosh, Working President of the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF). The complaint alleges that Loyola College is illegally conducting its M.A. Philosophy program at an off-campus Jesuit institute, Satya Nilayam, located approximately 12 km from the college’s approved premises in Thiruvanmiyur.
LRPF accused that Satya Nilayam operates as a separate legal entity, “The Society of Sacred Heart College—Satya Nilayam,” without the necessary affiliation approvals from the University of Madras.
Tamil Nadu: Governor urged to revoke Loyola College’s autonomy status for alleged academic fraud
Reports: Kunti Surender#TamilNadu #LoyolaCollegehttps://t.co/mzJT3OX6wL
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) February 27, 2025
Furthermore, LRPF asserts that MA Course is designed to exclusively train Jesuit missionaries, effectively excluding non-Christian students and thereby constituting religious discrimination.
Violation of Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution
This alleged practice is cited as a violation of Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution, which prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion and guarantee equal access to educational institutions.
The complaint also raises concerns about academic fraud, alleging that degrees issued under the University of Madras’s name and logo falsely represent that students studied at Loyola’s main campus.
NHRC’s Directives and University’s Response
Following the initial complaint, on April 7, the NHRC directed the University of Madras to conduct an inquiry.
Based on these directions, University of Madras formed a University Inspection Commission, which visited the Loyola College to verify program documentation and infrastructure and submitted its fact finding report with serious of violations of UGC norms.
On April 24, 2025, the University of Madras’ Registrar submitted an action taken report to NHRC stating that a University Inspection Commission had visited Loyola College to verify program documentation and infrastructure.
However, University of Madras did not share the fact finding report with NHRC, however, it has constituted new ‘Inquiry Committee’ to further examine the same report.
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— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) April 8, 2025
Meanwhile NHRC received reminders from LRPF alleging that the sumbited report by University of Madras “lacked concrete findings, failed to establish accountability, and provided no clarity on whether any violations were observed? Furthermore, the subsequent constitution of a separate Inquiry Committee despite the prior inspection, raises serious doubts regarding intent and transparency. The complainant requested the Commission to take urgent to address the issue concerning legality of the said MA Programme.”
NHRC noted that “it is pertinent to note that the University of Madras had earlier appointed the University Inspection Commission and subsequently constituted another separate Inquiry Committee, without clarifying the rationale or specific purpose behind forming this second body.”
The NHRC in its proceedings dated June 6, 2025, expressed dissatisfaction and found the report lacking in concrete findings and questioned the necessity of forming a second Inquiry Committee after the initial inspection.
Consequently, the NHRC directed the University of Madras Registrar to submit an additional report within two weeks and also instructed the UGC Chairman to provide an action taken report.
Despite repeated reminders issued on April 7, May 22, and June 6, 2025, neither the University of Madras nor the UGC has complied with these directives. The complainant subsequently sent further reminders on July 7 and July 21, 2025, underscoring the perceived lack of transparency and accountability.
Current Status and Future Course of Action
In light of the continued non-compliance by the University of Madras and the UGC, the NHRC has invoked Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to enforce accountability.
The conditional summons stipulate that the Registrar and the UGC Chairman must appear before the Commission with the requested reports. Failure to comply without a lawful excuse could result in consequences under Rule 10 and Rule 12 of Order XVI of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, including the potential issuance of warrants.
Broader Context for Loyola College
Loyola College, a prominent Catholic institution established in 1925 and affiliated with the University of Madras, has recently faced scrutiny over various issues, including allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement. Despite its A++ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and its ranking as 8th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, these allegations threaten its reputation.
The NHRC’s firm action underscores the gravity of the allegations against Loyola College and the University of Madras.
As the August 19, 2025, hearing approaches, the focus remains on the university and the UGC to provide comprehensive clarity and address the serious concerns raised.
Speaking to Organiser, Santhosh said, “This is a serious violation of Indian laws by Loyola College, and their lacklustre response to the proceedings suggests they enjoy the backing of a strong lobby within the University of Madras and the UGC — both of which have unfortunately remained silent and passive spectators amid allegations of academic fraud involving foreign students. This case shatters the myth that Christian missionary-run institutions are selflessly serving Indian education; in fact, it exposes their arrogance and disregard for Indian law.”
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