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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