The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of serious allegations against Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai, and has issued formal notices to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Registrar of the University of Madras. The Commission has demanded an Action Taken Report within four weeks, marking a significant intervention in the matter. A copy of the notice has also been sent to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu for appropriate administrative follow-up.
In a major intervention, NHRC issued notices to University Grants Commission and the Registrar of the University of Madras, seeking Action Taken Report within 4 weeks regarding human rights violations and academic misconduct at Loyola College Chennai.https://t.co/BzulZDHUWT
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) April 8, 2025
The NHRC’s action stems from a detailed complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a Hyderabad-based legal advocacy group. The complaint accuses Loyola College of operating its M.A. Philosophy program illegally through an off-campus Jesuit institution named Satya Nilayam, located approximately 12 km from the college’s main campus. According to LRPF, the program runs without mandatory approvals and in violation of University of Madras affiliation norms.
The complaint further alleges religious discrimination in student admissions to the program, claiming that non-Christian students have been systematically excluded. If substantiated, such practices would violate Articles 15(1) and 29(2) of the Indian Constitution, which prohibit discrimination in public educational institutions based on religion.
LRPF has also raised concerns over academic legitimacy, accusing Loyola College of misusing the name and official logo of the University of Madras to issue degrees under a program that may lack proper affiliation. This, the forum says, constitutes academic fraud and raises questions about regulatory oversight and potential collusion among officials.
The NHRC Bench, led by Priyank Kanoongo, invoked Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and categorized the issue as a potential case of grave human rights violation. The Commission has called for a thorough and transparent inquiry, emphasizing that accountability must be ensured at all levels.
Additionally, LRPF has expressed concern over the role of officials at the University of Madras, alleging that they failed to carry out mandatory inspections of Loyola College’s academic operations, further contributing to the alleged violations.
The LRPF had previously submitted a similar complaint to the Governor of Tamil Nadu in March 2025, urging the withdrawal of both autonomous status and affiliation granted to Loyola College on grounds of unauthorized academic activity and religious discrimination.
The matter is now under formal review, with the NHRC monitoring developments closely.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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