The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has transferred a corruption complaint related to Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), observing that the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) failed to conduct a proper probe.
The order was passed on a public interest litigation filed by Madurai-based Venkatesan. He alleged that Gomathi, who joined MKU as a junior assistant in 2013, later rose to become a superintendent with the support of certain university officials.
The petitioner levelled several allegations, including illegal issuance of certificates, leaking of university documents, and acceptance of bribes in matters relating to research and affiliations. He also claimed that despite these complaints, the university administration merely transferred her instead of initiating strict action.
Venkatesan further alleged that Gomathi had purchased a house in Vandiyur and extended loans exceeding ₹2 crore to employees, which he said violated government service rules.
He told the Court that his complaint to the DVAC last year yielded no response. An RTI reply later revealed that the complaint had simply been forwarded to MKU. Subsequently, in January, the university registrar reportedly closed the complaint citing lack of prima facie material.
A division bench comprising Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan observed that vigilance authorities had acted merely like a “post office” by forwarding the complaint without conducting an independent inquiry. The judges stressed that corruption in universities is unacceptable and can adversely affect future generations.
Holding that a transfer becomes necessary when an investigative agency fails to perform its duty properly, the Court ordered that the case be handed over to the CBI and disposed of the petition.
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