Chennai: Anna University has moved the Madras high court challenging an order of its chancellor (governor) revoking the suspension of its former vice-chancellor R Velraj in view of corruption charges. “The chancellor of the university is not an authority superior to the syndicate of the institution. He does not have supervisory or appellate power over the decisions of the syndicate,” the university’s counsel Richardson Wilson said. The suspension order was passed in view of a corruption case registered by the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) in connection with alleged irregularities in appointing faculty to affiliated colleges. “He (chancellor) acted in excess of jurisdiction by assuming an appellate or supervisory power over the syndicate, a power that the Anna University Act does not confer upon him to modify an order of suspension passed by the syndicate,” it added. Admitting the plea, Justice M Dhandapani directed the office of the chancellor to respond to the plea in four weeks. According to the university, an internal probe conducted by it brought to light that several colleges affiliated to the university filled over 2,000 faculty with fake appointments during the tenure of Velraj. Hundreds of faculty were shown as working in multiple colleges. In view of the alleged irregularities, the DVAC made a request to the chancellor dated Jan 10, 2025, seeking permission for registering a ‘regular case’ against the VC under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, through a communication dated July 30, 2025, the chancellor declined permission to the DVAC to register a case and commence a detailed inquiry against the VC, it said.Meanwhile, the syndicate meeting of the university held on July 31, 2025, resolved to suspend the VC with immediate effect and not permit him to retire from the service, which was due on July 31, 2025. The convenor committee, which exercised the powers of the VC, passed a proceeding dated July 31, 2025, directing the registrar to place Velraj under suspension and not permit him to retire. Allowing an appeal moved by Velraj, the chancellor on Sept 5, 2025, set aside the order of suspension and permitted Velraj to retire from service with all terminal benefits.
