The University of Madras has confirmed serious irregularities by the Loyola College in Chennai after the university’s Inspection Commission reported that the Jesuit institution was conducting its M.A. Philosophy programme at the off-campus Jesuit centre Satya Nilayam in Thiruvanmiyur without approval. This action follows a series of complaints submitted by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) to different constitutional bodies following The Commune’s report on the matter.
The detailed report submitted by the Madras University to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), flagged “gross violations” of affiliation rules by Loyola College, Chennai, in the conduct of its M.A. Philosophy programme.
This report from the Madras University came after the NHRC found Madras University evasive over Loyola’s illegal M.A. Philosophy course, and warned them with conditional summons.
From religious bias in admissions to flouting reservation norms and blatant non-compliance, here’s a detailed breakdown of the major violations flagged in the report.
Fake Departments And Missing Students
The inspection team discovered that Loyola’s so-called Philosophy Department is nothing more than a façade. There was no separate classroom, no faculty room, no departmental library, no signage, and—most scandalously—no students present at the time of inspection. Classes for both first and second-year students were being conducted in a common seminar hall, with no evidence of actual enrolment.
This is not just mismanagement — it is a direct violation of the Syndicate’s rules on infrastructure and affiliation, dating back to 2003.
Unqualified Faculty And Appointment Irregularities
The report exposes Loyola’s sham in faculty appointments. Many lecturers listed on the college website don’t even meet the basic UGC qualification rules. Even worse, some teachers are being counted as full-time staff at both Loyola and the Sathya Nilayam Research Institute, a clear cheat and violation of university rules. To top it off, the management hired staff—including the Principal—on its own, ignoring the mandatory university selection process. This blatant breaking of rules is nothing short of academic fraud and shows how Loyola ignores laws meant to keep education honest.
Violating Tamil Nadu Govt’s Reservation Norms
Perhaps the most serious violation is Loyola’s blatant disregard for Tamil Nadu’s reservation laws in student admissions. Despite multiple reminders, the management failed to provide the mandatory category-wise admission data for the M.A. Philosophy programme. This deliberate non-compliance undermines the Rule of Reservation, which is crucial to ensure equitable access and opportunities for marginalized communities. By both ignoring the submission of required admission data and bypassing the reservation policy, the management flagrantly violated legal and ethical standards designed to promote inclusion and fairness.
This is a violation of Government Order G.O.(D) No.110 (22.05.2024) and University Circular No.314 (24.06.2024). In short, Loyola has cheated the state’s social justice framework.
“In view of the above findings and based on the Madras University Act, 1923, and the University’s Statutes and Ordinances (2016), the University of Madras concludes that Loyola College has not complied with UGC guidelines, relevant Government Orders, and University norms in conducting the M.А. Philosophy Programme.“, the inspection report said.
Timeline Of Events
The inspection report, submitted in August 2025, follows a string of complaints filed since January alleging academic fraud, religious discrimination, and unauthorized operations at Satya Nilayam run by Loyola College. Let’s take a look at when the investigation began and how action was taken.
January 2025 – First Expose
In January 2025, The Commune published a report alleging that Loyola College was operating an unauthorized extension campus at Satya Nilayam under the guise of an M.A. Philosophy programme affiliated with the University of Madras.
The report highlighted that the programme primarily catered to Catholic seminarians and Jesuit missionaries, raising questions of religious discrimination since admissions were allegedly restricted to Christians.
Degrees issued to such students carried Loyola College’s and the University of Madras’ name, despite students never attending the approved Loyola campus.
Allegations also surfaced of financial misconduct, exorbitant fees, misuse of UGC funds, and funneling graduates into missionary activities.
YouTuber Maridhas also published a video of the investigation on his channel.
February 2025: Legal Rights Protection Forum Complaint To TN Governor
In February 2025, the Hyderabad-based Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) lodged a formal complaint with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Madras, seeking revocation of Loyola’s autonomous status and Madras University affiliation, investigation into Satya Nilayam’s unauthorized operations, action against alleged academic fraud and discriminatory practices.
The petition alleged that Satya Nilayam was functioning under a separate Jesuit legal entity, yet Loyola College was granting degrees in its name, thereby misleading students and regulatory authorities.
March 2025: LRPF Appeals to Jesuit Superior General & FCRA Angle Raised
In March 2025, LRPF escalated the issue internationally by petitioning Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, urging internal Jesuit intervention. Allegations also expanded to include misuse of foreign funds under FCRA regulations, large-scale misappropriation of UGC grants, citing disclosures from former Loyola Principal Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai.
Evidence that Satya Nilayam’s official website was abruptly taken down after complaints, and later reappeared with all references to Loyola College scrubbed.
The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, formally intervened by directing the University of Madras to investigate, citing potential violations of university norms, secular education principles, and even national security concerns due to the presence of foreign seminarians.
Additionally, in March 2025, the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi who also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Madras, sought an explanation from the University regarding the unauthorized operations of Loyola College’s off-campus center, ‘Satya Nilayam.’
March 2025: Loyola College Alters Website, Erases Links
Following complaints, Satya Nilayam’s website was abruptly altered to erase Loyola-University links, raising suspicions of cover-up. Despite repeated warnings, the University of Madras has failed to act decisively. The case highlights misuse of minority autonomy, systemic double standards, and demands urgent cancellation of affiliations and accountability.
March 2025: Complaint Filed With TN Governor Again
LRPF filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Governor against University of Madras Registrar Prof. S. Elumalai, accusing him of enabling large-scale academic fraud involving Loyola College. The complaint alleged Loyola unlawfully ran its M.A. Philosophy program at Satya Nilayam, an unapproved Jesuit centre, while issuing University of Madras degrees since 1998. It cited evidence of unauthorized off-campus operations, website manipulation, and even “lost” affiliation records. LRPF demanded cancellation of all such degrees, disciplinary action against the Registrar, and a criminal probe. Neither Loyola nor Madras University has responded.
April 2025: Complaint Filed With NHRC
LRPF petitioned the National Human Rights Commission against Loyola College, Chennai, alleging religious discrimination in its M.A. Philosophy program, affiliated with the University of Madras. The NGO stated that the course is reserved exclusively for Christian students, denying equal access to others and violating fundamental rights. This followed LRPF’s earlier complaint accusing Loyola of running the program illegally at Satya Nilayam, an unapproved Jesuit centre, while issuing Madras University degrees. Allegations include fraudulent certificates, lost affiliation records, and misuse of visas. Despite mounting pressure, Loyola and Madras University did not issue official responses.
April 2025: NHRC Steps In, Loyola Accused of Religious Discrimination
By April 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognizance of complaints that non-Christian students were being systematically denied admission to the M.A. Philosophy course.
The NHRC issued notices to the UGC and the Registrar of the University of Madras, seeking action taken reports. Complaints cited violations of Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Constitution of India. LRPF also accused Madras University of shielding Loyola by claiming that original affiliation orders from 1998 were “untraceable.”
May–July 2025: NHRC Escalates, Issues Conditional Summons
Despite repeated notices, both Loyola College and the University of Madras failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
On 24 May 2025, NHRC reprimanded the Madras University Registrar and UGC for non-compliance.
On 24 July 2025, the Commission issued conditional summons to both authorities, requiring them to appear in person on 19 August 2025, unless detailed reports were submitted in advance.
August 2025: UGC Inspection
University Grants Commission (UGC) committee carried out inspections of both the Madras University and Loyola College on August 13–14, with both institutions cooperating.
On 16 August 2025, the University of Madras submitted a detailed report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confirming serious violations by Loyola (Autonomous) College, Chennai, in the conduct of its M.A. Philosophy programme. The inspection, conducted in response to complaints, found multiple breaches of affiliation rules, UGC norms, and state government directives.
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