In a major blow to the credibility of two prominent Catholic institutions, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has officially taken cognizance of a serious human rights violation complaint against Loyola College, Chennai and its foreign partner, Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, had filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with a foreign institute, thereby violating key higher education regulations and potentially endangering the visa status of Indian students abroad.
The complaint—based on a detailed Right to Information (RTI) reply—alleges that Loyola College ran an unapproved foreign diploma programme in collaboration with Don Bosco, Paris, without seeking the mandatory clearance from the University of Madras or the University Grants Commission (UGC).
According to the NHRC proceedings, students were sent abroad on student visas obtained through false representations, raising the possibility of deportation and legal consequences. The complaint further states that this constitutes cross-border trafficking disguised as education, causing severe financial and emotional harm to the affected students.
Taking cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC has:
– Directed the Registrar of the University of Madras and the Chairman of the UGC to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks
– Forwarded the case to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for further investigation and necessary diplomatic action
– The proceedings note that the allegations “prima facie seem to be serious violations of the human rights of the victim.”
The complaint also seeks:
• Immediate student protection
• Refund of fees collected
• Prosecution of those responsible for misrepresentation and educational fraud
The NHRC Bench, presided over by Hon’ble Member Shri Priyank Kanoongo, has attached a copy of the original complaint and instructed the Registry to issue formal notices.
This case comes amidst growing allegations of misuse of foreign collaborations by Loyola College, which has already been in the spotlight for corruption, money laundering via its alumni network, and unexplained links to controversial figures in Tamil Nadu’s political and entertainment spheres.
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