Ghost faculty row: Anna University moves Madras high court challenging chancellor’s order revoking VC suspension

CHENNAI: The Anna University on Tuesday moved the Madras high court, challenging an order passed by the chancellor of the university (Tamil Nadu governor) quashing the order of suspension passed against its vice chancellor (VC) R Velraj. The suspension order was passed in view of a case registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in connection with alleged irregularities in appointing faculties to affiliate colleges.

An internal probe conducted by the university brought to light that several colleges affiliated to the university have filled over 2,000 faculties in 2024-25 with fake appointments. Hundreds of faculties were shown as working in multiple colleges.

The university contended that the order passed by the chancellor is without jurisdiction since he is not vested with any authority under the Anna University Act and to modify an order of suspension passed by the syndicate.

“Chancellor is not an authority superior to the syndicate. He has acted in excess of jurisdiction by assuming an appellate or supervisory power over the syndicate, a power that the act, does not confer upon him,” advocate Richardson Wilson for the university said.

Admitting the plea, Justice M Dhandapani directed the office of the chancellor to respond to the plea. According to the university represented by its registrar V Kumaresan, between Aug 11, 2021, and Aug 9, 2024, Velraj was functioning as the VC of the university.

In view of the alleged irregularities, the DVAC made a request to the chancellor dated Jan 10, 2025, seeking permission for registering a ‘regular case’ against the VC under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, through a communication dated July 30, 2025, the chancellor declined permission to the DVAC to register a case and commence detailed inquiry against the VC, it said.

Meanwhile, the 275th syndicate meeting of the university held on July 31, 2025, resolved to suspend the VC with immediate effect and not permit him to retire from the service, which was due on July 31, 2025. The syndicate also resolved that appropriate departmental disciplinary action shall be initiated against the VC, he added.

The convenor committee, which is exercising the powers of the VC, passed a proceeding dated July 31, 2025, directing the registrar to place Velraj under suspension and not permit him to retire. Consequently, the registrar issued an order of suspension to Velraj.

Aggrieved, Velraj preferred an appeal before the chancellor on Aug 20, 2025. Allowing the appeal, the chancellor through an order dated Sept 5, 2025, set aside the order of suspension and permitted Velraj to retire from service and disburse all his terminal benefits.