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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The post University Of Madras Stonewalls RTIs On Four Aided Colleges In Chennai; Whistleblower Escalates Complaint To TN Information Commission appeared first on The Commune.

Chennai’s prestigious Loyola College, long celebrated as a premier Jesuit institution, is once again under a cloud of controversy after the Catholic Minority Welfare Society (CMWS) lodged a formal complaint alleging a “cash for marks” scandal and accused the college’s management of shielding tainted faculty members, manipulating internal processes, and undermining academic integrity.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus in Rome, the CMWS, a registered Catholic advocacy body, accused Rev. Dr. J. Antony Robinson, S.J., the Rector of Loyola College, of misuse of power, academic cover-ups, and shielding faculty involved in illegal academic practices.

Misuse Of Power And Academic Negligence

The CMWS letter names Dr. J. Merline Shyla, Associate Professor of Physics, and Dr. S. Arul Mozhi, Assistant Professor, as central figures in the alleged scandal. It also accuses Rector Rev. Dr. Robinson of abusing his authority and ignoring internal regulations to protect favoured colleagues.

According to the complaint, despite being assigned 16 hours of teaching work per week, Dr. Robinson has not taken classes for over a year, allowing proxies to sign attendance registers on his behalf. The CMWS notes that such conduct “has never happened in the 100-year history of Loyola College,” calling it “a shameful breach of Jesuit academic integrity.”

The letter further alleges that Dr. Robinson has “usurped the powers of the Secretary and the Principal” by unilaterally making appointments and granting favours to loyalists, undermining the administrative framework of the autonomous institution.

Multiple Roles And Irregular Appointments

The CMWS also highlighted serious irregularities in the appointments of Dr. Merline Shyla, who currently holds multiple administrative roles, including that of Research Dean and Director of Entomology—a position unrelated to her academic background in Physics. The letter states that this violates UGC workload and specialization norms, and alleges that the appointments were made purely due to personal favouritism.

“It is humanly impossible for a person to handle these many responsibilities with integrity,” the letter says, calling it “an academic farce that reduces Loyola’s legacy to a political playground.”

‘Cash for Marks’ Allegation And Suspension Cover-Up

The most damning charge concerns Dr. S. Arul Mozhi, who allegedly tampered with student answer scripts during the November 2023 semester exams by altering evaluated papers and awarding higher marks to select students in exchange for favours.

The malpractice was reportedly identified by an external examiner and escalated to the Controller of Examinations, Rev. Dr. A. Irudaya Raj, S.J., leading to Dr. Mozhi’s suspension on February 15, 2024. However, the CMWS alleges that she was quietly reinstated within weeks, without a proper inquiry, due to her personal proximity to the Rector.

“Without conducting any formal investigation, the accused faculty member was taken back to teaching,” the complaint notes, calling it “a disgraceful example of Jesuit partiality.”

Jesuit Leadership Accused Of Shielding Offenders

The letter accuses Rev. Dr. J. Antony Robinson, S.J., of “despotic conduct” and “unprecedented misuse of power,” asserting that his leadership has “demoralised sincere academic staff” and “tarnished the Jesuit brand that once stood for discipline and moral uprightness.”

“Jesuits have stood for justice worldwide. Ironically enough, this inexperienced and immature Jesuit has usurped authority and committed acts of crime,” the letter declares.

The CMWS has also submitted copies of the complaint to the Directorate of Collegiate Education, urging a government inquiry into what they describe as a “Cash for Marks” scandal and systematic academic fraud at Loyola College.

Earlier Allegations Resurface

This controversy comes barely a year after Savukku Shankar’s explosive report — published by The Commune Mag — which linked Loyola College to another academic scandal involving DMK leaders, including the now Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

In that report, Savukku Shankar had alleged that academic credentials and internal evaluations were being manipulated for political protégés, hinting at a “cash and connection” economy within Loyola College.

The new allegations by CMWS appear to corroborate Savukku’s warnings, suggesting a deeper, systemic rot where Jesuit administrators, faculty, and politically connected students operate through networks of favouritism and financial quid pro quo.

Loyola’s Response

When The Commune reached out to Loyola College for comment, Principal Rev. Dr. A. Louis Arockiaraj, S.J., responded via email stating:

“The issue concerns disciplinary proceedings involving a staff member. There cannot be a public discussion on the issue. We inform you to refrain from scandalising individuals and institutions.”

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The post ‘Cash for Marks’ Scandal Rocks Loyola College: Jesuit Management Faces Fresh Allegations Of Academic Fraud appeared first on The Commune.

Loyola College, a prestigious Jesuit institution in Chennai, is embroiled in serious allegations of financial misconduct, academic fraud, and systemic corruption, according to a detailed indictment submitted to the Jesuit Curia in Rome by R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, Indian Representative of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) Global and an alumnus of the college.

Acceptance Of CSR Funds From Accused Money Launderer

In August 2025, Loyola College publicly accepted a ₹1 crore donation from the Martin Charitable Trust, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Santiago Martin’s lottery empire. Martin is currently under investigation by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) for fraud, lottery manipulation, and money laundering, with assets worth hundreds of crores already seized.

The donation, intended for building four classrooms, has drawn sharp criticism for legitimizing what Kennedy describes as “blood money.” He equated accepting funds from Martin to taking money from Dawood Ibrahim, India’s most wanted terrorist, stating that both represent “wealth built on the wreckage of human lives.”

Legal experts note that CSR donations from tainted sources are not protected under philanthropic pretexts. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Enforcement Directorate have jurisdiction to act against institutions receiving such funds if they are linked to illicit activities.

Academic Fraud Exposed By University Inspection

A surprise inspection by the University of Madras revealed shocking violations in Loyola’s M.A. Philosophy programme:

• No students were present during inspection, suggesting the programme may not exist on campus or is operated fraudulently elsewhere.
• Faculty listed for the programme do not meet University Grants Commission (UGC) qualifications, with some fraudulently shown as “full-time” at both Loyola and Satya Nilayam Research Institute.
• The college failed to follow Tamil Nadu’s Rule of Reservation, violating state law.
• No dedicated classrooms, library, or departmental facilities were found.

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the UGC and University of Madras Registrar, seeking an Action Taken Report within four weeks. A UGC committee conducted further inspections on August 13-14, 2025, underscoring the seriousness of the violations.

Questionable Spending And Offshore Company

During Loyola’s centennial celebrations, the college management allegedly flew an entire group of Jesuits to Dubai for what Kennedy characterizes as “needless extravagance.” This lavish spending occurred while the college was allegedly charging students tuition and application fees far exceeding government norms.

Additionally, the college established “Loyola Alumni Events LLC” in Dubai under the guise of an event management company. The website for this entity (loyolaalumnievents.com) was reportedly taken down after the Enforcement Directorate was alerted, raising suspicions of a deliberate cover-up.

Alumni Association Corruption And Historical Failures

Kennedy alleged that the Loyola Alumni Association has been “hijacked by entrenched, morally bankrupt individuals” who have maintained leadership positions for over a decade. He claims to have warned the Jesuit Superior General about these issues as early as 2019 during the Global Clergy Abuse Summit in Rome.

The Association Director allegedly wastes money on foreign trips to meet only 4-5 people, while the organization functions like a cartel with the same executives clinging to power.

Obfuscation In Clergy Death Investigation

The mysterious death of a Canadian priest, Father Omala, on Loyola’s campus has further damaged the institution’s credibility. Instead of transparency, Loyola’s ambiguous response provoked political outrage and calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

Systemic Failure And Call For Action

Kennedy’s report concluded that Jesuit governance in Chennai has shown “systemic corruption and arrogance” and is incapable of reform. He urged the Jesuit Curia to appoint leadership from outside the province to realign Loyola with Jesuit mission values.

The allegations come against the backdrop of Loyola’s failed 2022 bid for university status, which Kennedy had warned would be “extremely suicidal for India as a nation and the Christian faithful.”

The Jesuit Curia has been called upon to direct Loyola College to immediately return the ₹1 crore donation, issue a public statement disassociating from such donations, and adopt clear protocols to prevent similar compromises in the future. Failure to act, Kennedy warns, could invite government intervention and criminal liability, irreparably damaging the moral and institutional credibility of the Society of Jesus.

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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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The post Loyola College Caught In Massive Academic Fraud Through Illegal Bible College, Madras University Report Reveals Shocking Violations, An Exclusive Explosive Exposé By The Commune – LRPF appeared first on The Commune.

The Martin Charitable Trust, the CSR arm of the Martin Group of Companies, recently donated ₹1 crore to Loyola College, Chennai. The funds are being used for the construction of four modern classrooms in the Loyola Shyam Kothari Centenary Building.

The donation was handed over by Jose Charles Martin, Managing Director of the Martin Group, and his mother, Dr. Leema Rose Martin, Director of the company, to Rev. Fr. Antony Robinson SJ, Rector of Loyola Institutions. The college management publicly expressed gratitude, calling the gesture a demonstration of the group’s commitment to higher education.

Senior Jesuit administrators, including Secretary Rev. Fr. Thomas Alexander SJ, Principal Rev. Fr. A. Louis Arockiaraj SJ, Alumni Director Rev. Fr. A. Louie Albert SJ, and Loyola Alumni Association office-bearers, participated in the event and felicitated the donors.

This was posted on the Loyola Alumni website and Facebook pages.

The news was also shared by Jose Charles Martin, the eldest son of Lotery kingpin Santiago Martin on his X handle.

Investing in education, investing in the future!
As part of its Education CSR commitment, Martin Charitable Trust has proudly contributed ₹1 Crore to Loyola College for the creation of 4 fully equipped modern classrooms in the prestigious Shyam Kothari Centenary Building (100th… pic.twitter.com/p09vPv9rbC

— Jose Charles Martin (@sscharles) August 25, 2025

About The Martin Group

Santiago Martin, a Coimbatore-based businessman widely known as the ‘lottery king’, is under intense scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in large-scale illegal activities within the lottery industry. According to officials, Martin’s lottery operations generate an staggering annual turnover of approximately ₹15,000 crore.

Case Against Lottery King Santiago Martin

According to the ED, Martin’s lottery operations generate an annual turnover of more than ₹15,000 crore. The investigation, which began in 2014, is based on multiple FIRs. The Central Bureau of Investigation registered the first FIR in 2014, followed by two by the Kolkata Police in 2022, and one by the Meghalaya government in 2024 that alleged losses of ₹1,500 crore from illegal lottery sales.

So far, the agency has attached assets worth over ₹1,000 crore, including properties valued at ₹622 crore by its Kochi zonal unit and ₹409 crore by the Kolkata unit. Recent searches at Martin’s premises led to the recovery of ₹12 crore in cash and fixed deposits worth ₹6.4 crore, along with evidence of unaccounted properties across Coimbatore, Chennai, Mumbai, Dubai, and London.

The ED has alleged that Martin created over 350 companies and special purpose vehicles to acquire properties using proceeds of crime. Prize-winning unsold lottery tickets were reportedly used in land transactions, with relatives and associates named as prize claimants despite the tickets never being sold to the public.

The Madras High Court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to resume and continue its PMLA money laundering case against Santiago Martin, his wife, and associates—nullifying a lower court’s closure of the case. The Court reaffirmed that money laundering charges under PMLA are independent offences, and closing the root/predicate case without proper scrutiny is a miscarriage of justice.

Political Funding Trail

The probe has also revealed that Martin’s company, Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt. Ltd., was a major donor through electoral bonds. Between 2019 and 2024, it contributed ₹1,368 crore to various political parties. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) reportedly received ₹542 crore, while the DMK received ₹503 crore of its total ₹632 crore from the company. Other recipients included the BJP, YSRCP, and Congress.

Fresh Allegations in Meghalaya

The Director of Meghalaya State Lottery, Mary Sonty Marak, lodged a complaint in 2024 alleging that Martin and his associate Subbayan Nagarajan intimidated distributors and obstructed the official lottery system, causing losses of ₹1,500 crore to the state.

(With inputs from Economic Times)

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The post Loyola College Receives ₹1 Crore CSR Donation From ‘Lottery’ Martin Group Accused Of Money Laundering appeared first on The Commune.

The Loyola College, Chennai, has taken down the advertisement for its unapproved ‘Diploma in Filmmaking (AI) France’ from its official website, following widespread criticism and regulatory concerns. The program was flagged for violating University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and potentially putting students’ academic futures at risk.

This development follows a firm advisory issued by the UGC, cautioning students, educational institutions, and EdTech platforms against entering into or endorsing collaborations with foreign entities that lack official approval. The commission warned that any degrees or diplomas obtained through such unauthorized partnerships would be deemed invalid, and institutions involved could face strict penalties.

The issue came to the forefront after Loyola College’s association with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris, drew scrutiny. The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy organization, lodged formal complaints with the UGC, the Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras. The complaints alleged that Loyola was offering an unrecognized filmmaking diploma in collaboration with DBIMA—an arrangement not in compliance with existing educational regulations and potentially endangering students’ academic credentials and visa eligibility overseas.

In a statement released on 22 July 2025, the UGC reaffirmed its stance, referring back to a 12 December 2023 notification. The commission highlighted the applicable regulatory framework established in its 2022 and 2023 guidelines, which govern joint and dual degree programs, twinning arrangements, and collaborations involving foreign campuses. The statement served as a reminder to all stakeholders to adhere strictly to UGC-approved procedures when pursuing international academic partnerships.

“It has been observed that many HEls/colleges have entered into collaborative agreements/arrangements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognized by the Commission and have been facilitating the issuance of degrees to the students enrolled in those institutions/college from such foreign-based educational institutions/educational providers. Similarly, some EdTech companies are also giving advertisements in newspapers/social media/television ete. offering degree and diploma programmes in Online modes in association with some foreign universities/institutions. Therefore, it is reiterated that any such kind of collaboration/ arrangement is not recognized by the University Grants Commission and accordingly, the degrees issued subsequent to such collaboration/ arrangement are also not recognized by the Commission. Action will be taken against all the defaulting HEls and EdTech companies under applicable laws/rules/regulations. Students/general public are once again advised to exercise due caution and are made aware that such courses/programmes/degrees do not have UGC recognition and that they would be doing at their own risk and consequences.” the UGC said.

UGC Updates

UGC warns students and institutions against collaborations with foreign-based education providers and EdTech companies that are not recognised by the Commission. Degrees obtained through such arrangements are not valid and may result in strict action.

Read the… pic.twitter.com/4AW4YtPsss

— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) July 27, 2025

Allegations of Fraud and Misconduct Rock Loyola College and Don Bosco Academy

In a blistering email addressed to the CEO of Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris, Joseph Kennedy a distinguished alumnus of both Loyola College, Chennai, and Don Bosco institutions has leveled serious accusations of academic malpractice, ethical misconduct, and deliberate concealment surrounding an unauthorized “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI), France.”

Kennedy, widely recognized for his 2022 campaign that led the University Grants Commission (UGC) to reject Loyola College’s bid for university status, has once again publicly challenged his former institution. His latest allegation targets a joint diploma program between Loyola and DBIMA Paris, which he claims violates educational norms and misleads students under the guise of a “dual certification” allowing project completion in France.

Despite the program being heavily promoted, including by DBIMA’s CEO Fr. John Paul Swaminathan, an RTI response from the University of Madras Loyola’s affiliating university confirms that the filmmaking diploma has not received formal approval, rendering it illegitimate under Indian regulations.

“Loyola College has a history of entering into unauthorized international collaborations without proper regulatory clearance,” Kennedy stated, citing his detailed 41-page submission to the UGC, titled “Loyola College, Chennai is at a Dangerous Inflection Point.”

The controversy takes a darker turn with the involvement of actor John Vijay, featured in promotional materials for the program alongside Fr. Swaminathan. Vijay has faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment, including during the 2018 and 2024 waves of India’s #MeToo movement. Despite these public allegations widely reported in outlets like Hindustan Times and India Today the institution continued to associate with him, a move Kennedy calls “deeply unethical and morally indefensible.”

“When a faith-based college promotes someone with a record of sexual misconduct, it sends a dangerous signal,” Kennedy emphasized.

In his email, Kennedy clarified that he is not inviting dialogue but publicly distancing himself from what he described as a “morally bankrupt” operation.

“If DBIMA continues its collaboration with Loyola, it does so fully aware that it is endorsing an academically unapproved and ethically compromised program.”

This development emerges amid increasing scrutiny of Catholic educational institutions in India, especially those run by Jesuit orders, many of which face criticism for administrative opacity, abuse cover-ups, and commercializing education under the guise of religious values.

Silence from DBIMA and Loyola, Escalating Regulatory Heat

As of now, neither DBIMA Paris nor Loyola College has issued any public statement addressing the allegations. However, sources within the University of Madras suggest further regulatory measures may be initiated if the program continues despite lacking approval.

Meanwhile, the University of Madras with over 130 affiliated colleges has come under fire for sidestepping its responsibilities. Instead of providing clear answers to an RTI filed by Kennedy, now an activist with Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) India, the university redirected the request to Loyola itself raising concerns about its oversight mechanisms.

Kennedy’s RTI sought clarification on the academic legitimacy of the filmmaking diploma, the nature of correspondence between Loyola and the university, and possible violations of affiliation norms. Yet, the university effectively washed its hands of the matter.

“Asking Loyola to investigate itself is a complete abdication of responsibility,” Kennedy said. “It’s an institutional failure that threatens both student welfare and public trust in higher education.”

A Glamorous Facade, Misleading Promotions

Despite lacking regulatory clearance, Loyola conducted a graduation ceremony for students of the disputed diploma course. The event featured prominent figures from the Tamil film industry, including cinematographer P.C. Sreeram, actor Arya, veteran actor Nassar, and editor Lenin lending undue credibility to a program that may not meet legal or academic standards.

Kennedy expressed outrage over this deceptive promotion, “This goes beyond administrative negligence it’s willful deception. Students are spending lakhs for a qualification that may have no standing.”

He further criticized DBIMA’s apparent lack of due diligence before partnering with Loyola, asserting that the Salesian institution must not repeat the mistakes made during the DBPPA Egmore abuse scandal a case Kennedy claims was buried under a culture of silence and image management.

“If DBIMA finds this alliance has been built on false pretenses, it must immediately revoke certifications and publicly admit its role in misleading students.”

Human Rights Implications and Public Accountability

Adding weight to the controversy, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has acknowledged a complaint from the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), citing potential violations of students’ rights. The complaint points out that unsuspecting students paid substantial fees for a program lacking both recognition and legal legitimacy potentially compromising their futures, especially if they sought international opportunities.

In parallel, Loyola’s evasive handling of RTI inquiries has amplified public criticism. The college failed to respond within the 30-day timeframe mandated by the RTI Act and, when it eventually replied, declined to share meaningful information dismissing the request as not being in the “public interest.”

Kennedy was incredulous, “Loyola acts like it’s above scrutiny. They held high-profile MoU events, issued press releases, but now claim there’s no public interest in disclosing program details? That’s absurd.”

A Second Batch Amid the Scandal

Despite legal scrutiny and media coverage, Loyola appears to be pushing forward with a second batch of the same filmmaking diploma, further alarming watchdogs and regulatory authorities. Kennedy warns that this brazen move points to institutional impunity enabled by systemic regulatory failure.

“This isn’t just about Jesuit overreach anymore it’s about a crumbling framework of academic governance. Officials at the University of Madras appear to be complicit by remaining passive.”

The unfolding scandal has exposed serious cracks in India’s higher education oversight particularly the ease with which private and autonomous colleges can bypass approval processes while using foreign branding to attract students. There are growing calls for the UGC and the University of Madras to take immediate and decisive action against Loyola College, restore regulatory credibility, and ensure that similar breaches do not recur.

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The post Loyola College Removes Controversial Filmmaking Diploma Ad After Getting UGC Warning Triggered By The Commune & LRPF’s Exposé appeared first on The Commune.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a stern warning to students, higher education institutions, and EdTech companies against forming or promoting academic collaborations with unapproved foreign entities. The Commission cautioned that degrees and diplomas awarded through such unauthorized arrangements will not be recognized and may result in strict punitive action.

This strong advisory follows growing concerns and complaints regarding Loyola College, Chennai’s contentious partnership with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris. Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, lodged formal complaints with the UGC, Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras, alleging that Loyola was conducting an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in association with DBIMA. The program, according to the complaint, violates key higher education regulations and could jeopardize the visa and academic standing of Indian students abroad.

On 22 July 2025, the UGC reiterated its position through an official statement referencing its earlier notification dated 12 December 2023. The statement reminded stakeholders about the regulatory framework governing academic collaborations, specifically the UGC’s 2022 and 2023 regulations concerning joint and dual degrees, twinning arrangements, and foreign campus operations.

“It has been observed that many HEls/colleges have entered into collaborative agreements/arrangements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognized by the Commission and have been facilitating the issuance of degrees to the students enrolled in those institutions/college from such foreign-based educational institutions/educational providers. Similarly, some EdTech companies are also giving advertisements in newspapers/social media/television ete. offering degree and diploma programmes in Online modes in association with some foreign universities/institutions. Therefore, it is reiterated that any such kind of collaboration/ arrangement is not recognized by the University Grants Commission and accordingly, the degrees issued subsequent to such collaboration/ arrangement are also not recognized by the Commission. Action will be taken against all the defaulting HEls and EdTech companies under applicable laws/rules/regulations. Students/general public are once again advised to exercise due caution and are made aware that such courses/programmes/degrees do not have UGC recognition and that they would be doing at their own risk and consequences.” the UGC said.

UGC Updates

UGC warns students and institutions against collaborations with foreign-based education providers and EdTech companies that are not recognised by the Commission. Degrees obtained through such arrangements are not valid and may result in strict action.

Read the… pic.twitter.com/4AW4YtPsss

— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) July 27, 2025

Allegations of Fraud and Misconduct Rock Loyola College and Don Bosco Academy

In a blistering email addressed to the CEO of Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris, Joseph Kennedy a distinguished alumnus of both Loyola College, Chennai, and Don Bosco institutions has leveled serious accusations of academic malpractice, ethical misconduct, and deliberate concealment surrounding an unauthorized “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI), France.”

Kennedy, widely recognized for his 2022 campaign that led the University Grants Commission (UGC) to reject Loyola College’s bid for university status, has once again publicly challenged his former institution. His latest allegation targets a joint diploma program between Loyola and DBIMA Paris, which he claims violates educational norms and misleads students under the guise of a “dual certification” allowing project completion in France.

Despite the program being heavily promoted, including by DBIMA’s CEO Fr. John Paul Swaminathan, an RTI response from the University of Madras Loyola’s affiliating university confirms that the filmmaking diploma has not received formal approval, rendering it illegitimate under Indian regulations.

“Loyola College has a history of entering into unauthorized international collaborations without proper regulatory clearance,” Kennedy stated, citing his detailed 41-page submission to the UGC, titled “Loyola College, Chennai is at a Dangerous Inflection Point.”

The controversy takes a darker turn with the involvement of actor John Vijay, featured in promotional materials for the program alongside Fr. Swaminathan. Vijay has faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment, including during the 2018 and 2024 waves of India’s #MeToo movement. Despite these public allegations widely reported in outlets like Hindustan Times and India Today the institution continued to associate with him, a move Kennedy calls “deeply unethical and morally indefensible.”

“When a faith-based college promotes someone with a record of sexual misconduct, it sends a dangerous signal,” Kennedy emphasized.

In his email, Kennedy clarified that he is not inviting dialogue but publicly distancing himself from what he described as a “morally bankrupt” operation.

“If DBIMA continues its collaboration with Loyola, it does so fully aware that it is endorsing an academically unapproved and ethically compromised program.”

This development emerges amid increasing scrutiny of Catholic educational institutions in India, especially those run by Jesuit orders, many of which face criticism for administrative opacity, abuse cover-ups, and commercializing education under the guise of religious values.

Silence from DBIMA and Loyola, Escalating Regulatory Heat

As of now, neither DBIMA Paris nor Loyola College has issued any public statement addressing the allegations. However, sources within the University of Madras suggest further regulatory measures may be initiated if the program continues despite lacking approval.

Meanwhile, the University of Madras with over 130 affiliated colleges has come under fire for sidestepping its responsibilities. Instead of providing clear answers to an RTI filed by Kennedy, now an activist with Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) India, the university redirected the request to Loyola itself raising concerns about its oversight mechanisms.

Kennedy’s RTI sought clarification on the academic legitimacy of the filmmaking diploma, the nature of correspondence between Loyola and the university, and possible violations of affiliation norms. Yet, the university effectively washed its hands of the matter.

“Asking Loyola to investigate itself is a complete abdication of responsibility,” Kennedy said. “It’s an institutional failure that threatens both student welfare and public trust in higher education.”

A Glamorous Facade, Misleading Promotions

Despite lacking regulatory clearance, Loyola conducted a graduation ceremony for students of the disputed diploma course. The event featured prominent figures from the Tamil film industry, including cinematographer P.C. Sreeram, actor Arya, veteran actor Nassar, and editor Lenin lending undue credibility to a program that may not meet legal or academic standards.

Kennedy expressed outrage over this deceptive promotion, “This goes beyond administrative negligence it’s willful deception. Students are spending lakhs for a qualification that may have no standing.”

He further criticized DBIMA’s apparent lack of due diligence before partnering with Loyola, asserting that the Salesian institution must not repeat the mistakes made during the DBPPA Egmore abuse scandal a case Kennedy claims was buried under a culture of silence and image management.

“If DBIMA finds this alliance has been built on false pretenses, it must immediately revoke certifications and publicly admit its role in misleading students.”

Human Rights Implications and Public Accountability

Adding weight to the controversy, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has acknowledged a complaint from the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), citing potential violations of students’ rights. The complaint points out that unsuspecting students paid substantial fees for a program lacking both recognition and legal legitimacy potentially compromising their futures, especially if they sought international opportunities.

In parallel, Loyola’s evasive handling of RTI inquiries has amplified public criticism. The college failed to respond within the 30-day timeframe mandated by the RTI Act and, when it eventually replied, declined to share meaningful information dismissing the request as not being in the “public interest.”

Kennedy was incredulous, “Loyola acts like it’s above scrutiny. They held high-profile MoU events, issued press releases, but now claim there’s no public interest in disclosing program details? That’s absurd.”

A Second Batch Amid the Scandal

Despite legal scrutiny and media coverage, Loyola appears to be pushing forward with a second batch of the same filmmaking diploma, further alarming watchdogs and regulatory authorities. Kennedy warns that this brazen move points to institutional impunity enabled by systemic regulatory failure.

“This isn’t just about Jesuit overreach anymore it’s about a crumbling framework of academic governance. Officials at the University of Madras appear to be complicit by remaining passive.”

The unfolding scandal has exposed serious cracks in India’s higher education oversight particularly the ease with which private and autonomous colleges can bypass approval processes while using foreign branding to attract students. There are growing calls for the UGC and the University of Madras to take immediate and decisive action against Loyola College, restore regulatory credibility, and ensure that similar breaches do not recur.

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The post UGC Crackdown After NHRC Notice: Loyola College Chennai Under Fire Over Illegal Foreign Diploma With Don Bosco Paris appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Media Spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the mysterious death of a Canadian priest at Loyola College in Chennai.

In a press statement released on 24 July 2025, Prasad expressed shock over the passing of 55-year-old Father Omala, a Canadian national who had been serving at the church located within the Loyola College campus in Nungambakkam. “Reports indicate that the priest died under mysterious circumstances a few days ago,” Prasad stated, urging authorities to conduct a fair and detailed probe.

The priest’s family members, who traveled from Canada after receiving news of his death, have reportedly raised concerns and suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following their arrival, a post-mortem examination was conducted at the Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital.

No official statement has yet been issued by Loyola College or the Chennai police. However, BJP leaders have demanded that the findings of the post-mortem and any subsequent investigation be made public to ensure accountability and transparency in the case.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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The post TN BJP Seeks Probe Into Mysterious Death Of Canadian Priest At Loyola College, Chennai appeared first on The Commune.

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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The post 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 appeared first on The Commune.

In what appears to be a shocking display of arrogance and deliberate attempt to evade accountability, Loyola College, Chennai has failed to provide clear responses to questions raised under the Right to Information (RTI) Act about its controversial collaboration with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris. The college not only issued an evasive reply but also did so beyond the legally mandated 30-day time limit, violating provisions of the RTI Act.

The RTI application, filed by R. Joseph Kennedy, a Loyola alumnus and Christian activist, was originally submitted to the University of Madras (UoM). However, rather than providing a response directly, UoM arbitarily forwarded the RTI to Loyola College — a surprising move, considering that Loyola is an affiliated institution under UoM and not an independent university.

Loyola responded well beyond the time limit stipulated under the RTI Act and has refused to comply with a Right to Information (RTI) query forwarded by the University itself. Shockingly, in its brief reply, the college refused to furnish any of the requested information, citing that the queries “have no public interest.”

“This is absurd,” says Kennedy. “My RTI was submitted to the University of Madras – the competent authority to supervise autonomous colleges – and it was rerouted to Loyola College, which now behaves as if it is a university unto itself. This is more than just another example of Jesuit arrogance, something I’ve seen far too often in the Chennai/Madurai Province. It’s my own Alma Mater openly defying the University of Madras and making a mockery of the RTI process.” Kennedy observed.

Despite holding public MoU ceremonies and issuing press material in the presence of faculty and students, the college has now claimed in an RTI response that the requested information does not serve any larger public interest. This contradicts its earlier public posturing, where both Loyola and DBIMA, Paris made elaborate announcements and held signing events with students and media presence. Photographs from the event clearly depict Loyola College officials and DBIMA representatives exchanging and signing MoUs.

What’s more disturbing is that Loyola College, which claims to uphold Jesuit values of truth and transparency, has continued promoting the second batch of this foreign diploma program, even as serious questions about its legality, academic recognition, and regulatory clearance remain unanswered.

“This is not an internal Jesuit affair anymore – this is about public accountability, safeguarding the future of students, and defending academic integrity. It seems clear that few corrupt officials within the University of Madras are enabling Loyola College to violate regulations and deceive students. Students are paying lakhs for a diploma that may not be worth the paper it’s printed on.” Kennedy said.

NHRC Takes Cognizance Of Complaint Against Loyola College & Don Bosco Paris

Based on a complaint from The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has officially taken cognizance of a serious human rights violation complaint against Loyola College, Chennai and its foreign partner, Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris.

LRPF had filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing Loyola College of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with DBIMA, Paris, thereby violating key higher education regulations and potentially endangering the visa status of Indian students abroad.

This brazen disregard for public accountability and the RTI Act raises serious questions about collusion, regulatory failure, and corruption in Tamil Nadu’s higher education system. The University of Madras is urged to act swiftly and transparently to restore its credibility and take disciplinary action against Loyola College for flouting affiliation rules and obstructing lawful information requests.

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The post Loyola College Evades RTI Queries On Don Bosco Paris Collaboration, Responds After Deadline appeared first on The Commune.