Madras High Court Directs CBI Investigation into University Corruption Allegations
The Madras High Court has issued a significant order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a thorough probe into allegations of widespread corruption at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). This directive came on Wednesday from a division bench comprising Justice G Jayachandran and Justice K K Ramakrishnan.
Public Interest Litigation Reveals Serious Irregularities
The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by G Venkateshan of Madurai, who brought forward disturbing allegations of corruption within the university administration. According to the petitioner, numerous students and staff members of MKU had approached him with detailed accounts of serious irregularities that had been occurring for years.
The allegations center around S V Gomathi, who joined Madurai Kamaraj University in August 2013 as a junior clerk on compassionate grounds, initially drawing a modest salary of approximately Rs 10,000 per month. Despite this humble beginning, Gomathi reportedly became an influential figure within the university administration, allegedly colluding with certain officials to advance her position and influence.
Rapid Rise and Multiple Allegations
Over time, Gomathi was appointed to several positions within the university and was currently serving as a superintendent in a specific section. The petitioner presented detailed allegations suggesting that during her tenure, Gomathi had acquired several immovable assets that appeared disproportionate to her known sources of income.
The specific allegations against her include:
- Collecting bribes from private DDE center coordinators
- Facilitating evasion of mandatory fees payable to MKU
- Issuing certificates in return for illegal gratification
- Enabling unlawful college admissions and appointments
- Leaking internal university documents
- Collecting bribes to influence college inspection reports and grant of affiliations
Inadequate University Response
Despite the university administration being aware of these serious allegations, the petitioner claimed that no proper disciplinary action had been taken against Gomathi. Instead, she was merely transferred to another department under the guise of punishment, which the petitioner argued was insufficient given the gravity of the accusations.
Even after this transfer, Gomathi allegedly continued her activities, collecting exorbitant sums from research scholars and faculty members in the Mathematics department for thesis-writing assistance and facilitating PhD admissions.
Failed Attempts at Investigation
The petitioner stated that he had lodged a detailed complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in 2025, providing specific dates of bank transactions and details of immovable assets acquired by Gomathi. However, the DVAC issued a communication stating that the petition had been forwarded to the university for further action and that they could not proceed with any investigation.
In January 2026, the university issued a reply stating there was no prima facie evidence to substantiate the allegations against Gomathi and that the matter was closed. The petitioner argued that the manner in which the complaint was mechanically closed clearly indicated that the university was shielding her from proper investigation.
Court's Rationale for CBI Intervention
The petitioner emphasized that when serious allegations of corruption, abuse of official position, and disproportionate assets are raised against a public servant in a state-funded university, the authorities are duty-bound to ensure a fair, impartial, and independent inquiry. Given the apparent failure of existing mechanisms to address these concerns, the petitioner moved court seeking a direction to constitute a special committee to conduct an impartial and time-bound inquiry into the allegations of corruption at MKU.
The Madras High Court, recognizing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for an independent investigation, has now ordered the CBI to take up the case. This decision represents a significant development in ensuring accountability within educational institutions and addressing corruption allegations through proper legal channels.
