Anna University files case against its Chancellor at Madras High Court

The Madras High Court on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) admitted a writ petition filed by Anna University, represented by its Registrar, against an order passed by Governor R.N. Ravi, in his capacity as chancellor of the university, on September 5, 2025, setting aside the suspension order issued against the varsity’s former vice-chancellor R. Velraj on July 31, 2025.

Justice M. Dhandapani admitted the writ petition and ordered notices to the chancellor as well as Mr. Velraj after the university counsel Richardson Wilson contended that neither the Anna University Act of 1978 nor the statutes on disciplinary procedures framed in 1980 empower the chancellor to entertain an appeal against the suspension order issued by the Syndicate.

The counsel told the court that Mr. Velraj had served as the vice-chancellor between August 11, 2021, and August 9, 2024, before being reverted to his original position as professor of mechanical engineering department. During his tenure, there were grave allegations related to affiliation of private engineering colleges and appointment of ineligible persons as professors of eminence.

Therefore, the State government in January 2025 sought the permission of the chancellor to conduct a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) inquiry against him. The chancellor in July 2025 wrote back to the government refusing to grant any such permission. Hence, the Syndicate in its 275th meeting held on July 30, 2025, resolved to suspend Mr. Velraj from service.

Since the former vice-chancellor was also due to retire from service on July 31, 2025, the Syndicate also decided to not let him retire from service until the conclusion of the departmental inquiry. In order to give effect to the Syndicate’s decision, a convenor committee, constituted to perform the functions of the vice-chancellor, issued necessary proceedings on the same day and the Registrar conveyed it to Mr. Velraj.

The suspended employee filed an appeal petition before the chancellor on August 20, 2025 challenging the suspension order. The latter entertained the appeal, set aside the suspension order on September 5, 2025 and permitted Mr. Velraj to retire from service. Assailing the chancellor’s decision, the university contended before the High Court that the Syndicate was not subordinate to the chancellor.

“The Syndicate is the apex body of the university. Therefore, the chancellor cannot usurp unto himself the power to modify or revoke an order of suspension passed by the Syndicate. Only the Syndicate can modify an order of suspension issued by it. The legislative intent is clear. The University is to function as a self-contained autonomous body with the Syndicate as its apex body,” the affidavit filed by Registrar V. Kumaresan read.