Chennai – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:34:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg Chennai – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 University Of Madras Stonewalls RTIs On Four Aided Colleges In Chennai; Whistleblower Escalates Complaint To TN Information Commission https://thecommunemag.com/university-of-madras-stonewalls-rtis-on-four-aided-colleges-in-chennai-whistleblower-escalates-complaint-to-tn-information-commission/ Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:32:03 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=133985 In yet another blow to transparency in Tamil Nadu’s higher education system, the University of Madras (UoM) has failed to respond to a series of RTI applications and First Appeals filed regarding four prominent aided colleges in Chennai — Loyola College, Stella Maris College, Women’s Christian College, and Madras Christian College. RTI activist and Loyola […]

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In yet another blow to transparency in Tamil Nadu’s higher education system, the University of Madras (UoM) has failed to respond to a series of RTI applications and First Appeals filed regarding four prominent aided colleges in Chennai — Loyola College, Stella Maris College, Women’s Christian College, and Madras Christian College.

RTI activist and Loyola alumnus R. Joseph D’ Kennedy had sought crucial documents from the University of Madras pertaining to statutory approvals for foreign collaborations, twinning programmes, and international partnerships undertaken by these institutions.

Despite the RTI Act mandating a response within 30 days, the University of Madras did not reply to any of the four RTIs, nor did it act on the First Appeals filed under Section 19(1) of the Act.

This non-response qualifies as a “deemed refusal” under Section 7(2) of the RTI Act, 2005, a serious violation that can attract penalties under Section 20.

A Pattern Of Deliberate Silence?

According to Kennedy, the University’s silence is not an administrative lapse but a deliberate attempt to shield violations committed by elite aided colleges that operate with political influence and zero accountability despite receiving government funds.

Four RTIs, four First Appeals — and not a single response. This is not incompetence. This is a cover-up,” he said.

He also alleged that the foreign collaborations in question — including Loyola College’s controversial partnership with Pondicherry University and multiple unapproved international tie-ups — have been operating without mandatory UGC and University approvals, in potential violation of the UGC (Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration) Regulations.

Complaint Filed Before Tamil Nadu Information Commission

After receiving no response for more than a month, Kennedy has officially filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) under Section 18 of the RTI Act.

His petition requests the Commission to:

– Initiate an inquiry against the University of Madras
– Direct immediate disclosure of all pending information
– Impose penalties on the Public Information Officer (PIO) for willful defiance of the Act
– Issue strict directions to prevent recurrence of such violations

Why Loyola Is At The Centre Of The Storm?

Loyola College has been under intense scrutiny for over a year, with allegations involving:

– Unapproved international academic tie-ups
– Questionable twinning arrangement with Pondicherry University
– Lack of transparency in autonomous decisions
– Political interference in administrative and academic functioning

The RTI documents Kennedy seeks are expected to reveal how these programmes were run without mandatory approvals, in violation of:

– UGC Regulations
– University of Madras statutes
– Tamil Nadu government guidelines for aided colleges

Other Colleges Mentioned Only To Show Pattern

Although Kennedy filed similar RTIs regarding:

– Stella Maris College
– Women’s Christian College
– Madras Christian College

The Loyola RTI is the most explosive of the four. That is why the University is desperate to keep it buried,” Kennedy stated.

Legal experts say that denial of information across four separate RTIs, especially involving aided colleges, could attract strong action from the Commission.

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2 Days Of Rains Expose Dravidian Model Chennai https://thecommunemag.com/2-days-of-rains-expose-dravidian-model-chennai/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:40:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=131983 Chennai’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been laid bare as the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, exposing massive potholes, poor drainage, and long-neglected roads across key neighbourhoods in the south and north of the city. In Pallikaranai, Medavakkam, and Madipakkam, major residential and IT corridor zones, main roads have deteriorated into pothole-riddled stretches resembling […]

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Chennai’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been laid bare as the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, exposing massive potholes, poor drainage, and long-neglected roads across key neighbourhoods in the south and north of the city.

In Pallikaranai, Medavakkam, and Madipakkam, major residential and IT corridor zones, main roads have deteriorated into pothole-riddled stretches resembling a “lunar landscape.” A ground report by India Today showed the extent of damage, with reporter Anagha Keshav riding a scooter through Medavakkam to demonstrate how dangerous the commute has become. Residents said several of these stretches have remained in disrepair for years, despite repeated complaints. Many described the roads as “death traps,” with multiple accidents reported.

A reality check in Pallikaranai, the link between Velachery and Medavakkam, showed roads half-tarred and half-cobbled. Visuals from the area captured bikers and gig workers struggling to maintain balance over potholes, while autos and cabs attempted to navigate flooded lanes. Residents lamented that despite dry weather in the weeks before the rains, no repairs were made, leaving the roads to collapse under the first monsoon spells.

Velachery–Tambaram Road in Chaos After Botched Pothole Repairs

The Velachery–Tambaram road, a key four-lane commuter stretch, has become treacherous after state highways officials dumped cement to fill potholes, which washed away following heavy rain. Vehicle tyres got stuck, and some potholes reappeared, especially near Jayachandran Textiles, while other sections remained untreated.

Commuters navigating the 15 km stretch were forced onto the non-stagnated lane, moving at just 10 kmph. Residents criticized the timing of repairs during rain, calling it a poor decision. Highways assistant engineer Murugan said bituminous patchwork is ongoing. Tambaram Corporation limits cover only part of the stretch, leaving coordination gaps with other departments.

The worsening road conditions coincide with a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several Tamil Nadu districts. A depression forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing extremely heavy rainfall to Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal on October 22. Chennai remains on orange alert.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been inspecting stormwater drain and road repair works, but on-ground reports show little improvement. It was noted that certain flooded spots were barely 300 metres away from the Chief Minister’s residence, highlighting a stark contrast between official claims of preparedness and the reality faced by residents.

Meanwhile, the Times of India’s audit of flood-prone zones revealed that the first two monsoon spells had already crippled parts of the city. Inundation on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Radial Road, Porur, and North Chennai’s Pattalam exposed the near-absence or substandard quality of civic infrastructure.

On Tuesday (21 October 2025), OMR neighbourhoods, home to nearly seven lakh residents, were submerged after short but intense rainfall. Stretches in Okkiyampet, Sholinganallur, and Karapakkam were filled with craters and knee-deep water, bringing traffic to a standstill. Passengers were seen boarding Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses from pavements to avoid wading through water and the risk of electrocution.

The Sholinganallur junction went under two feet of water, resulting in gridlock. In nearby Perumbakkam, roads leading from OMR to Velachery–Tambaram Road had virtually disappeared.

Perumbakkam, a major IT and residential hub with over 30,000 residents, is now in disrepair. The main road outside Gleneagles Global Health City and gated communities like Casa Grande and Embassy Residency resembled a “war zone.” Locals said even schoolchildren could not wait along the road without soiling their shoes, while elderly residents struggled to walk to nearby shops due to the absence of pavements.

Perumbakkam Panchayat Secretary Narayanan said the local body receives about 30 complaints related to potholes each month but lacks funds for full-scale repairs. Some gated communities have reportedly agreed to resurface roads on their own.

The floods also revealed the shoddy maintenance of the Okkiyam Maduvu channel, a crucial floodwater conduit for OMR. The 2.8 km stretch, which carries water from Pallikaranai to Buckingham Canal and onward to the Kovalam estuary, was found clogged with water hyacinth near KCG College of Technology. Poor desilting of the South Buckingham Canal has reduced its capacity to carry the required 6,000 cusecs of water to the sea, exacerbating flooding in Okkiyampet and nearby areas.

Although the Water Resources Department (WRD) removed some of the hyacinth during the rains, work on the proposed macro-drain channel connecting Okkiyam Maduvu directly to the sea remains incomplete. WRD Assistant Engineer Ambalavanan said that about 75% of restoration work worth ₹27.5 crore has been completed and that the remaining expansion from 70 metres to 100 metres in width will be finished after the monsoon.

North Chennai also suffered severely, with Vyasarpadi, Pulianthope, and Pattalam inundated due to the failure of pumping stations in KM Garden and Thattankulam along Perambur Barracks Road. Sewage overflow and stagnation added to the misery.

(Source: India Today)

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Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum To Host Book Dialogue On “The New World: 21st Century Global Order And India” https://thecommunemag.com/tamil-nadu-young-thinkers-forum-to-host-book-dialogue-on-the-new-world-21st-century-global-order-and-india/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:58:29 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=121657 The Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum, in collaboration with Chinmaya Academy of Management and We the People of Chennai, will organize a book dialogue on The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India, authored by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation. The event is scheduled for 2 August 2025 (Saturday) at 6 PM at Tapovan […]

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The Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum, in collaboration with Chinmaya Academy of Management and We the People of Chennai, will organize a book dialogue on The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India, authored by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation. The event is scheduled for 2 August 2025 (Saturday) at 6 PM at Tapovan Hall, Chinmaya Heritage Centre, Chetpet.

The discussion will feature Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, and Swami Mitrananda, a spiritual teacher from Chinmaya Mission Chennai, as distinguished guests. Dr. Ram Madhav will engage in a dialogue on his book, which explores India’s evolving role in the contemporary global order.

Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP at 86680 05073, 99401 88325, or 96001 62841, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event promises an insightful conversation on geopolitics, India’s strategic positioning, and the challenges of the 21st century.

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NHRC Issues Conditional Summons To Madras University Registrar And UGC Chairman Over Loyola College’s Religious Discrimination In MA Course And Running Illegal Priest Training Institute https://thecommunemag.com/nhrc-issues-conditional-summons-to-madras-university-registrar-and-ugc-chairman-over-loyola-college-illegal-priest-training-institute-and-religious-discrimination-in-ma-programme/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:39:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=122145 In a significant move, 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), directing them to appear before the Commission on August 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. This action comes in response to serious allegations of religious […]

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In a significant move, 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), directing them to appear before the Commission on August 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. This action comes in response to serious allegations of religious discrimination and academic irregularities linked to the M.A. Philosophy programme offered by Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai, at its off-campus Jesuit institution, Satya Nilayam.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF). The complaint alleges that the M.A. Philosophy course is being illegally conducted at an unauthorised off-campus centre and discriminates against non-Christian students, thereby violating Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, it claims that Loyola College has been issuing degrees under the false pretense of affiliation with the University of Madras, using its name and emblem to lend credibility to the programme.

Earlier this year, the University of Madras submitted an action-taken report stating that it had appointed an Inspection Commission to investigate the allegations. However, in proceedings dated June 6, 2025, the NHRC expressed dissatisfaction with the report, calling it vague and lacking in substance. The Commission questioned why a second inquiry committee was set up when an inspection had already been conducted and noted that critical findings from the first inspection were not disclosed.

Despite repeated reminders, both the University of Madras and the UGC have failed to provide comprehensive and satisfactory responses. This prompted the NHRC to invoke its powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, leading to the issuance of conditional summons. The Commission has made it clear that failure to appear without lawful justification could result in legal action under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, including the issuance of warrants. However, it has allowed that personal appearance may be avoided if detailed and satisfactory reports are submitted at least a week before the hearing date.

The allegations at the core of this case are serious: running an academic programme without proper affiliation, restricting admissions based on religion, and misusing the University of Madras’ name and logo. The complaint underscores concerns about religious exclusion, institutional fraud, and regulatory oversight in higher education. Documents submitted to the NHRC include copies of previous proceedings dated April 7, May 22, and June 6, as well as follow-up reminders from the complainant dated July 7 and July 21.

With the hearing scheduled for August 19, 2025, all eyes are now on how the UGC and the University of Madras respond. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for Loyola College but also for the governance and accountability of autonomous institutions operating under university affiliations. The Legal Rights Protection Forum has urged the NHRC to take stringent action to protect students’ rights and uphold academic integrity in the country.

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Chennai To Install Inclusive Play Equipment For Children With Special Needs In Five Parks https://thecommunemag.com/chennai-to-install-inclusive-play-equipment-for-children-with-special-needs-in-five-parks/ Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:21:56 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=120869 In a move to promote inclusivity in public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the installation of inclusive play equipment for children with special needs in five major city parks during the first phase of a larger initiative. A sum of Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for this phase, with tenders floated […]

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In a move to promote inclusivity in public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the installation of inclusive play equipment for children with special needs in five major city parks during the first phase of a larger initiative.

A sum of Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for this phase, with tenders floated to engage private consultants for the project. The selected parks include Bougainvillea Park in Anna Nagar East, Natesan Park in T. Nagar, Murasoli Maran Park in Perambur, Vasugi Park in Tondiarpet, and the iconic Anna Nagar Tower Park.

A senior official from the Parks and Playfields wing of the GCC said, “The successful bidder will be responsible for installing play equipment like see-saws, swings, and merry-go-rounds that are designed specifically to cater to children with special needs.”

The official added that the contractor will also ensure the parks are universally accessible by constructing wheelchair ramps and making necessary changes to the park layout.

The initiative, which is part of Mayor R. Priya’s broader vision to improve park infrastructure, aims to create inclusive recreational spaces that are safe, durable, and sensory-friendly. The parks will encourage social interaction and shared play experiences among children of all abilities.

“The idea is to transform these five parks into model spaces that can serve as benchmarks for inclusive design across the city,” the official noted. The role of the private consultant will be critical in assessing each park’s existing infrastructure, evaluating site-specific conditions like safety, accessibility, and space availability, and recommending optimal areas for installation.

The design and construction must also adhere to both national and international accessibility standards, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and universal design principles. This is just the beginning of a larger plan, with GCC already identifying five more parks, MMDA Park, KK Nagar Garden Park, Tiruvalluvar Nagar Park, Jeyachandran Nagar Park, and Sri Sai Nagar Park, for future phases of inclusive redevelopment.

Officials expect the first phase to be completed within three months of awarding the contract, marking a significant step towards making Chennai a more inclusive and accessible city for all its residents.

–IANS

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Status Quo Ordered In Madras Race Club Land Dispute: High Court Restrains Tamil Nadu Govt From Proceeding With Horticulture Tender https://thecommunemag.com/status-quo-ordered-in-madras-race-club-land-dispute-high-court-restrains-tamil-nadu-govt-from-proceeding-with-horticulture-tender/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:27:19 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=120189 In a significant development in the ongoing land dispute between the Madras Race Club (MRC) and the Tamil Nadu government, the Madras High Court has directed both parties to maintain the status quo as of July 4, 2025, over the contentious Guindy property. The court also restrained the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency from proceeding […]

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In a significant development in the ongoing land dispute between the Madras Race Club (MRC) and the Tamil Nadu government, the Madras High Court has directed both parties to maintain the status quo as of July 4, 2025, over the contentious Guindy property. The court also restrained the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency from proceeding further with any third-party involvement, even though it allowed the agency to receive tender documents related to the land.

Justice K. Kumaresh Babu issued the interim order while hearing Original Applications (OA Nos. 401 & 402 of 2025) and related ancillary petitions in Civil Suit No. 81 of 2025. The matter was taken up urgently due to an impending tender scheduled for July 7, 2025.

The MRC, represented by its Secretary S. Nirmal Prasad, argued that it was still in possession of the land in Guindy. However, the state government — represented by its Principal Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management Department) — contested this claim, stating that possession had been taken over as early as September 9, 2024. The government further asserted that the land had already been developed, including the digging of ponds to prevent waterlogging during the 2024 North East Monsoon.

Given the conflicting claims, the court observed that it would determine the issue of possession during the subsequent hearing but, in the interim, directed that both sides maintain status quo. It also directed the Horticulture Department not to create any third-party interests until the matter is resolved.

Senior counsel and DMK MP P. Wilson represented the state while Mr. Guru Krishnakumar senior counsel for advocates Vaibhav Venkatesh and Nithyaesh Natraj appeared for the respondents. The court scheduled the next hearing for July 16, 2025, and directed the plaintiff to file a counter in the meantime.

The dispute is being closely watched due to the prime location and public interest surrounding the usage of the land, historically associated with the Madras Race Club for over a century.

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“UGC Regulations Violated, Students Trapped, Visa Scam Suspected”: Complaint Filed Against Loyola College’s Unauthorized France-Based Filmmaking Program https://thecommunemag.com/ugc-regulations-violated-students-trapped-visa-scam-suspected-complaint-filed-against-loyola-colleges-unauthorized-france-based-filmmaking-program/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:49:43 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=118813 The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has 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 […]

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The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has 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 program in question, titled “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI) France”, was launched by Loyola College in partnership with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA) in Paris, France. According to promotional material on both institutions’ websites, the course entails eight months of training in Chennai and a one-month project residency in Paris, offering dual certification from both institutes.

However, in an RTI reply dated March 21, 2025 (Ref: PIO/RTI/2024/219), the University of Madras has categorically denied granting any affiliation, approval, or record of foreign collaboration for this diploma. The complaint also asserts that the program violates multiple clauses of the UGC (Academic Collaboration) Regulations, 2022, which govern joint academic ventures between Indian and foreign institutions.

Serious Regulatory and Immigration Violations Alleged

The LRPF alleges that:

1. The course was launched without mandatory approvals from the affiliating university or the UGC.

2. Don Bosco International Media Academy does not figure in the top 1000 rankings of QS or Times Higher Education, making the collaboration ineligible under UGC rules.

Students enrolled in the program were reportedly charged ₹15–20 lakh each, and a batch of seven students has already been sent to France.

The most alarming allegation relates to potential misuse of international student visa norms. Since the program lacks formal recognition, the visas issued to students may be subject to revocation, putting them at risk of deportation, future visa denials, and academic and financial losses.

Request For Immediate Government Action

In its complaint, LRPF has urged the UGC to:

1. Initiate a probe under Rule 8 of the UGC Academic Collaboration Regulations.

2. Take action against Loyola College under Section 14 of the UGC Act for running an unapproved program.

3. Notify the public through the official UGC website that the program is unauthorized.

4. Coordinate with the French Embassy in India to verify visa statuses and protect affected students.

5. Ensure reimbursement of fees and assistance in academic rehabilitation for the affected students.

Copies of the complaint have been marked to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, French consular authorities, and other relevant government bodies.

Loyola College Yet to Respond

As of now, Loyola College has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy raises serious questions about the due diligence exercised in international academic collaborations and the safeguards in place to protect students from exploitative or unrecognized programs.

 

 

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SMaRT & VIGIL To Host High-Profile Media Dialogue Featuring Journalists Palki Sharma And Rangaraj Pandey In Chennai https://thecommunemag.com/smart-vigil-to-host-high-profile-media-dialogue-featuring-journalists-palki-sharma-and-rangaraj-pandey-in-chennai/ Thu, 08 May 2025 05:09:11 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=114308 In a much-anticipated public event set to explore the challenges facing Indian journalism today, VIGIL, a citizens’ forum known for its cultural and national discourse, will host a thought-provoking discussion between prominent journalists Palki Sharma and Rangaraj Pandey. The event, titled “Politicised Journalism: Fall of the Fourth Pillar,” is scheduled for 11 May 2025 at […]

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In a much-anticipated public event set to explore the challenges facing Indian journalism today, VIGIL, a citizens’ forum known for its cultural and national discourse, will host a thought-provoking discussion between prominent journalists Palki Sharma and Rangaraj Pandey.

The event, titled “Politicised Journalism: Fall of the Fourth Pillar,” is scheduled for 11 May 2025 at 6:30 PM at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai. Organized in collaboration with the SMaRT Media-MassCom Platform, the forum will tackle issues surrounding media bias, erosion of journalistic standards, and the need for integrity in public discourse.

Palki Sharma, former Managing Editor at WION and a widely respected voice in international journalism, will share the stage with Rangaraj Pandey, one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential public commentators and founder of Chanakyaa Network. Together, they will offer insights into the evolution of Indian media, the dangers of agenda-driven narratives, and the responsibility of the press in a democracy.

Originally active from the 1990s to 2010, VIGIL is a Chennai-based initiative that brought together intellectuals, scholars, and citizens to deliberate on matters of national and cultural relevance. Past events have been graced by the likes of Swami Dayananda Saraswati and other luminaries, reinforcing VIGIL’s commitment to informed, values-based civic engagement.

With media credibility under growing scrutiny, the upcoming discussion promises to be an incisive look at the state of the fourth estate.

Registration is open, and interested participants can call 8730550455 or register at https://tinyurl.com/46862we9

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80-Year-Old Woman Succumbs To Injuries After Sexual Assault In Zam Bazaar, Chennai https://thecommunemag.com/elderly-woman-succumbs-to-injuries-after-sexual-assault-in-zam-bazaar-chennai/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:18:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=113269 An 80-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted while alone at her residence in Zam Bazaar, Chennai, has passed away after failing to recover from her injuries. The accused, reportedly a drug addict, has been apprehended and remanded in judicial custody. The incident occurred on 5 April 2025. According to reports, a man addicted to drugs […]

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An 80-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted while alone at her residence in Zam Bazaar, Chennai, has passed away after failing to recover from her injuries. The accused, reportedly a drug addict, has been apprehended and remanded in judicial custody.

The incident occurred on 5 April 2025. According to reports, a man addicted to drugs allegedly broke into the elderly woman’s home by smashing a window. Finding her alone, he sexually assaulted her. The woman’s son, upon visiting the house the following morning, discovered his mother in a severely injured state, with torn clothes and visible bleeding.

Shocked, he rushed her to a hospital for urgent medical care. Subsequent investigation by the Zam Bazaar Police identified the attacker as Nagaraj, a local resident with a history of substance abuse. It was revealed that he not only assaulted the woman but also threatened her with death if she spoke about the incident.

A case was registered under relevant sections pertaining to sexual assault and criminal intimidation, including those under the Violence Against Women. Nagaraj was later arrested. The shocking nature of the crime sparked outrage and unrest in the Zam Bazaar locality.

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Loyola College Caught In Foreign Collaboration Scandal: RTI Activist Alleges Cover-Up By University Of Madras https://thecommunemag.com/university-of-madras-under-fire-over-evasive-rti-responses-on-loyola-colleges-foreign-ties/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:10:22 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=112975 A new controversy is erupting at one of Chennai’s most prestigious institutions, Loyola College, as allegations surface about unauthorized foreign academic collaborations — and a potential cover-up by its parent body, the University of Madras. At the center of the storm is R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, a Loyola alumnus and national representative of Ending Clergy […]

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A new controversy is erupting at one of Chennai’s most prestigious institutions, Loyola College, as allegations surface about unauthorized foreign academic collaborations — and a potential cover-up by its parent body, the University of Madras.

At the center of the storm is R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, a Loyola alumnus and national representative of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) India. Kennedy has filed a detailed and damning complaint, alleging that the Jesuit-run college has repeatedly flouted affiliation norms by entering into academic agreements with foreign universities without the required approvals — and that the University of Madras has knowingly turned a blind eye.

Kennedy’s claims are backed by multiple Right to Information (RTI) replies, university records, and public documentation that point to a decade-long pattern of regulatory evasion.

The RTI That Sparked The Fire

On February 15, 2025, Kennedy filed an RTI application (Ref. No. PIO/RTI/2025/074) seeking information on:

  • The rules governing MoUs between affiliated colleges and foreign universities;
  • Whether Loyola College had obtained permission for tie-ups with institutions such as:
    • Avila University, Kansas City
    • Ajman University
    • University of Dubai
    • Skyline University
    • Sunway University, Malaysia
    • American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN)
  • Any action taken by the University in response to possible violations.

The reply, received after a first appeal on March 21, 2025 (Ref: PIO/RTI/2025/100), was startling in its vagueness. While the University of Madras admitted that approval is mandatory for student and faculty exchange programs, it claimed it was “unaware” whether Loyola had ever executed such exchanges — despite the college’s official Loyola International Academic Collaborations (LIAC) portal and brochures openly advertising these partnerships.

Contradictions, Cover-ups, And A Decade-Long Silence

Kennedy’s complaint highlights the disturbing contrast between this evasive response and a much clearer RTI reply issued by the same university in 2012. That earlier communication explicitly stated:

“A college shall conduct the courses only for which affiliation is granted by this University.”

It also confirmed that Loyola College had not obtained approval for foreign tie-ups with institutions like London South Bank University (UK), Lille Catholic University (France), and a twinning program with Pondicherry University (PULC).

“This is not a one-off lapse — it’s a pattern,” Kennedy told The Commune. “For over a decade, Loyola has been engaging in unauthorized collaborations, while the University’s response has shifted from strict enforcement to convenient ignorance. It’s either gross negligence or willful complicity.”

A Crisis Of Trust And Oversight

Kennedy’s complaint raises serious, unanswered questions:

1. Why did the University’s policy on prior approval change without any public explanation?

2. How can the University claim ignorance of foreign partnerships that Loyola has proudly advertised?

3. Why has no inquiry or disciplinary action been initiated despite documented violations?

The activist has called for urgent intervention by the Chancellor of the University of Madras (Governor of Tamil Nadu) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), demanding disciplinary action against both Loyola College and complicit university officials.

“This is bigger than a procedural lapse,” Kennedy asserted. “It undermines student welfare, academic integrity, and the credibility of our institutions. Loyola was once a beacon of academic excellence. What we’re seeing now is institutional decay — and a betrayal of everything it claimed to stand for.”

As of now, neither Loyola College nor the University of Madras has issued an official response.

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The post Loyola College Caught In Foreign Collaboration Scandal: RTI Activist Alleges Cover-Up By University Of Madras appeared first on The Commune.

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