Legal activist organization Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) has raised serious allegations against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of violating university affiliation rules and engaging in academic malpractices. A formal complaint has been submitted to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., urging immediate intervention.
According to the LRPF, Loyola College has been operating an unauthorized off-campus center, ‘Satya Nilayam,’ located in Thiruvanmiyur, approximately 20 km from the college’s approved campus. The facility, run by a separate legal entity known as the Society of Sacred Heart College—Satya Nilayam, has allegedly been offering an M.A. Philosophy programme in affiliation with the University of Madras without securing the necessary approvals. The complaint highlights that the University of Madras has repeatedly warned Loyola College over the past five years regarding this violation, yet no corrective action has been taken.
The LRPF further alleges that ‘Satya Nilayam’ primarily serves as a theological training center for Jesuit missionaries, including foreign students from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Europe, and North America. Despite being enrolled in Loyola College’s M.A. Philosophy programme, these students are exclusively trained at ‘Satya Nilayam’—a direct violation of the University of Madras’s regulations, which mandate that all affiliated programmes be conducted within the approved campus.
Allegations Of Discriminatory Practices
The LRPF states that the admission process at ‘Satya Nilayam’ is biased in favor of Jesuit students, effectively excluding non-Christian applicants from accessing the M.A. Philosophy programme. The forum argues that this practice contradicts the principles of equity and inclusivity that Jesuit education advocates and also contravenes the secular ethos of India’s higher education system.
Financial Misconduct And Misuse Of UGC Funds
The forum has also highlighted allegations of financial misconduct within Loyola College, citing revelations made by Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., who served as the institution’s principal from 2004 to 2010. In his book, Irai Siragugalil Kanintha Siluvaigal, Fr. Muthumalai reportedly disclosed large-scale misappropriation of University Grants Commission (UGC) funds by Loyola College. He also alleged corrupt practices in the admissions department, where illegal monetary transactions were carried out.
A formal complaint regarding these financial irregularities was previously filed with the UGC, leading to Loyola College’s application for university status being rejected. LRPF contends that this decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and necessitates a thorough investigation.
Following LRPF’s complaint, the Governor of Tamil Nadu—who also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Madras—has reportedly sought an explanation from the university regarding the unauthorized operations of ‘Satya Nilayam.’ The development signals the increasing scrutiny faced by Loyola College over its alleged violations.
The forum has also raised concerns over an apparent attempt by Loyola College to suppress evidence. It claims that shortly after the complaint was submitted to the Governor on February 27, 2025, the official website of Satya Nilayam (www.satyanilayam.com) was abruptly taken down. LRPF asserts that this move was an effort to obscure documentation related to the unauthorized programme.
Potential FCRA Violations Under Probe
LRPF has also initiated a separate investigation into possible violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Loyola College Society, which is registered to receive foreign funds under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Preliminary findings reportedly suggest irregularities in foreign contributions, with concerns over their alleged misuse for unauthorized purposes. The forum has stated that it will submit a detailed report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.
LRPF’s Appeal To Jesuit Leadership
In its letter to Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, LRPF has called for urgent intervention and has urged the Jesuit leadership to:
- Investigate the unauthorized operation of ‘Satya Nilayam’ and associated academic malpractices.
- Ensure Loyola College, Chennai, adheres to university affiliation regulations.
- Take disciplinary action against those responsible for the alleged violations.
- Uphold principles of equity, inclusivity, and academic integrity within Jesuit institutions.
The LRPF has emphasized that the credibility of Jesuit higher education in India is at stake and warned that failure to act could damage the legacy of Jesuit institutions in the country.
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