Order for bank to refund cyberfraud victim reversed

Order for bank to refund cyberfraud victim reversed 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.11.2024

Ahmedabad : A city sessions court overturned a magistrate’s order issued to Punjab National Bank’s (PNB’s) Ernakulam branch in Kerala, regarding the transfer of Rs 7.70 lakh from a cyberfraud account to cybercrime victim Yamini Porval, a resident of the Satellite area here. 

She was defrauded of Rs 26.96 lakh allegedly by cybercrooks. PNB contested the magistrate’s order as there was no balance in the cyberfraud account. Additionally, the bank faced multiple court orders from different states demanding payments from the same account to other cybercrime victims. The account, which fraudulently obtained funds, was found to be empty when the crime came to light. 

Porval reported to the cybercrime cell about losing over Rs 26 lakh from her accounts. While no FIR was registered immediately, investigators traced Rs 7.70 lakh transferred to the PNB account in Ernakulam. The police subsequently froze the account under CrPC section 102. After part of her sum was traced in the PNB account, Porval filed an application before a magisterial court at Gheekanta here to recover Rs 7.70 lakh from PNB, with the police raising no objections to the transfer. 

On Dec 9, 2023, the magistrate ordered that the money be transferred to Porval with specific conditions. However, PNB appealed against this order, arguing that they weren’t notified by the court before passing the order, and that the account held zero balance. The bank also highlighted multiple claims from cybercrime victims across states, with different courts ordering refunds from the same account. The bank expressed its inability to comply due to insufficient funds in the alleged cyber fraud account. 

The sessions court, upon hearing PNB’s appeal, cancelled the magistrate’s order, stating, “It would be unjust and improper to compel the bank to transfer the amount to one claimant while other claimants remain unaddressed, especially when the account balance does not support the payment.”  While directing the magistrate to hear Porval’s case again, the court instructed the trial court to obtain PNB’s comprehensive report on all claims against the fraudulent account. The magistrate has been ordered to hear PNB before issuing directions, and the bank has been restrained from disbursing funds until the magistrate’s final decision on distribution.

Aadhar Card Not Proof Of Age, But An Identity Document: Madhya Pradesh HC Reiterates, Directs State To Clarify To All Concerned Authorities

Aadhar Card Not Proof Of Age, But An Identity Document: Madhya Pradesh HC Reiterates, Directs State To Clarify To All Concerned Authorities

Siddhi Nigam

13 Nov 2024 1:55 PM

While reiterating that Aadhar cards cannot be relied upon as a proof of its holder's age, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently directed the state government to clarify to all concerned authorities that the Aadhar Card is merely an identity document.

In doing so the high court referred to the Supreme Court's decision in Saroj and Others Vs. IFFCOTOKIO General Insurance Company and Others (2024) which held that the Aadhar Card is not the document of age. The matter before the high court pertained to use of Aadhaar card as a definitive proof of age to claim benefits under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojna.

A single judge bench of Justice GS Ahluwalia stated that not only the Supreme court but also the High Courts and even circulars issued by various government Departments have clarified that Aadhar card is not the proof of age.

“...Similarly, different High Courts including the High Court of Madhya Pradesh in different cases have held that Aadhar Card is not a document of age," it added.

It thereafter said, "Let a copy of this order be sent to Chief Secretary, State of Madhya Pradesh for issuing notices to all the concerned authorities with regard to the legal sanctity of Aadhar Card thereby clarifying that Aadhar Card is not the document of age but it is merely a document of identity".

In this case, the petitioner Sunita Sahu, applied for Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojna, 2018 after her husband's death due to electrocution. Her claim was denied since her husband's age exceeded the scheme's age limit which is 64 years as per the official records. The petitioner contended that her husband's age should be determined based on the date of birth mentioned on his Aadhar card, which if accepted would qualify her to benefit from the scheme.

The court observed that the Panchayat in Narsinghpur district did not commit any mistake by holding that the age of deceased husband of petitioner was more than 64 and hence not eligible for the benefits. The petitioner had also filed an appeal before SDO, Gadarwara, District Narsinghpur against order February 22 and it is pending therefore the court asked that the, Appellate Authority may be directed regarding the same as well.

The court had asked the petitioner's counsel to address that if the State government has formulated a scheme considering aadhar card as a document of age and can that scheme be given precedence over the Supreme Court's judgement.

“It was fairly conceded that the scheme, which is an executive instruction cannot prevail over the judgments passed by the Supreme Court as well as the High Court… The UIDAI by its circular No.08/2023 has clarified that Aadhar Card can be used to establish identity. It is not per se proof of date of birth," it noted.

It further observed that the provisions of the Yojna made it clear that age of deceased labourer would be considered on the basis of date of birth mentioned in Aadhar Card, is contrary to very purpose of Aadhar Card and therefore, it cannot be approved.

"Be that whatever it may be. But one thing is clear that since Aadhar Card is not the proof of age of holder of Aadhar Card, therefore, Janpad Panchayat Babai Chichali, District Narsinghpur did not commit any mistake by holding that on the basis of all other relevant documents, the age of deceased husband of petitioner was more than 64 years and has rightly ignored the date of birth mentioned in the Aadhar Card of the deceased," the high court said.

The court also rejected the petitioner's contention that since she has also filed an appeal before SDO, Gadarwara, District Narsinghpur against the February order and the same is pending therefore the Appellate Authority may be directed to decide the same.

“this Court has already held that Aadhar Card is not the document of age and it is a document of identity (Biometric, IRIS), then no useful purpose would served by directing the Appellate Authority to decide the appeal thereby giving an opportunity to take a different view specifically when the judgment passed by this Court is binding on all the tribunals functioning within the State of Madhya Pradesh," it said while dismissing the petition.

Before parting the high court called for circulation of its order to all Collectors within the State so that they may circulate to all the authorities functioning under them.

Case title: Smt. Sunita Bai Sahu Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION No. 32191 of 2024

During Divorce Proceedings, Wife Entitled To Enjoy Same Life Amenities She Was Enjoying In Matrimonial Home : Supreme Court

During Divorce Proceedings, Wife Entitled To Enjoy Same Life Amenities She Was Enjoying In Matrimonial Home : Supreme Court

Yash Mittal

20 Nov 2024 11:45 AM

While awarding Rs.1.75 Lakhs as monthly interim maintenance to a wife during the divorce proceedings, the Supreme Court observed that the wife is entitled to the same standard of living during the divorce proceedings as what she enjoyed during the marriage.

“The appellant (wife) was accustomed to a certain standard of living in her matrimonial home and therefore, during the pendency of the divorce petition, is also entitled to enjoy the same amenities of life as she would have been entitled to in her matrimonial home.”, the Court observed.

The bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Prasanna B. Varale also noted that the wife was not working as she had sacrified her employment after marriage. It restored the Family Court's order to the Husband to grant Rs. 1,75,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Seventy Five Thousand) monthly maintenance to the wife during the divorce proceedings.

The appellant/wife and respondent/husband married on September 15, 2008, as per Christian customs. The husband had a son from a previous marriage, and there were no children from the current marriage.

The husband filed for divorce in 2019, citing incompatibility and cruelty. During divorce proceedings, the appellant/wife sought interim maintenance of ₹2,50,000 per month. She claimed the husband's significant income from medical practice, property rentals, and business ventures.

The Family Court ordered the respondent (husband) to grant Rs. 1,75,000/- maintenance to the wife during the divorce proceedings.

The High Court, however, reduced the maintenance amount to Rs. 80,000/-.

Setting aside the High Court's decision, the Court observed that the High Court had not fully considered evidence about the husband's income and property holdings.

“We find that the High Court has erred in reducing the quantum of maintenance to Rs.80,000/- (Rupees Eighty Thousand only) per month. The High Court has considered only two sources of income for the respondent. Firstly, the sum of Rs.1,25,000/- (Rupees One Lakh and Twenty-Five Thousand only) that he earns from working as a Cardiologist at the Hospital. Secondly, the rent amount he and his mother receive from a property, of which the High Court has stated that he receives half the amount only. However, the High Court has not dealt with the findings of the Family Court wherein the respondent is said to own a number of worthful properties and the fact that he is the only legal heir of his father. The Family Court found that the respondent is accruing all the incomes from the properties owned by his mother. The High Court has not dealt with the aspect of the number of properties owned by the respondent and looked at the rental income from one property.”, the court observed.

The court laid emphasis on the wife's right to maintain her matrimonial standard of living during the divorce process. In other words, the maintenance awards must reflect the dependent spouse's accustomed lifestyle and the earning spouse's financial capability.

“Consequently, we allow the appeal of the appellant wife and set aside the order of the Madras High Court dated 01.12.2022 and restore the order of the Family Court. The respondent husband is directed to pay a sum of Rs.1,75,000/- (Rupees One Lakh and Seventy Five Thousand only) per month as interim maintenance as per the order of the Family Court dated 14.06.2022.”, the court ordered.

Appearance:

For Petitioner(s) Ms. Arundhati Katju, Adv. Ms. Shristi Borthakur, Adv. Mr. Rahul J Krishnan, Adv. Mr. Ranjay Kumar Dubey, AOR Mrs. Sudershani Ray, Adv. Mrs. Drishti Mittal, Adv. Mr. Parth Tiwari, Adv. Mr. Kaustubh Singh, Adv. Mr. Suvidutt M.s., AOR

For Respondent(s) Mrs. Sudershani Ray, Adv. Mrs. Drishti Mittal, Adv. Mr. Parth Tiwari, Adv. Mr. Kaustubh Singh, Adv. Mr. Suvidutt M.s., AOR Ms. Arundhati Katju, Adv. Ms. Shristi Borthakur, Adv. Mr. Rahul J Krishnan, Adv. Mr. Ranjay Kumar Dubey, AOR

Case Title: DR. RAJIV VERGHESE VERSUS ROSE CHAKKRAMMANKKIL FRANCIS, C.A. No. 012546 / 2024

Citation : 2024 LiveLaw (SC) 902

No Disciplinary Proceedings Can Be Initiated After Employee Retires Or After Extended Period Of Service : Supreme Court

No Disciplinary Proceedings Can Be Initiated After Employee Retires Or After Extended Period Of Service : Supreme Court

Yash Mittal

19 Nov 2024 11:45 PM

The Supreme Court invalidated the disciplinary proceedings initiated against a bank employee after the completion of his extended period of service. The disciplinary proceeding initiated after the superannuation or after the extended period of service cannot be sustained, the Court observed.

“As has been held by this Court on more than one occasion, a subsisting disciplinary proceeding i.e. one initiated before superannuation of the delinquent officer may be continued post superannuation by creating a legal fiction of continuance of service of the delinquent officer for the purpose of conclusion of the disciplinary proceeding (in this case as per Rule 19(3) of the Service Rules). But no disciplinary proceeding can be initiated after the delinquent employee or officer retires from service on attaining the age of superannuation or after the extended period of service.”, the bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said.

The Respondent-employee joined SBI as a clerk-typist in 1973 and progressed through the ranks to managerial positions. He was due for superannuation on 26.12.2003, having completed 30 years of service. SBI extended his service until 01.10.2010 for operational reasons.

Disciplinary proceeding against the respondent was not initiated on 18.08.2009 when the first notice to show cause was issued but were initiated only on 18.03.2011 when the disciplinary authority issued the charge memo to the respondent.

The Appellant-bank contended that since the notice to initiate the disciplinary proceedings was initiated before the end of the extended period, therefore the respondent-employee can't claim exemption from the disciplinary proceeding.

However, the respondent-employee challenged the proceedings as void ab initio, arguing they were initiated after his superannuation. He stated that Rule 19(3) of SBI Officers' Service Rules permits continuation of disciplinary proceedings if initiated before retirement, but it does not allow proceedings to commence after superannuation.

Dismissing the appellant's argument, the judgment authored by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan referring to the case of Union of India vs. K.V. Jankiraman (1991) observed that disciplinary proceedings are deemed to start from the date of filing of the charge sheet, not earlier notices. Since the charge sheet was filed after the date of completion of the extended term, therefore, the court held the disciplinary proceedings to be non-est in law.

In essence, the Court said that to make the disciplinary proceedings valid the SBI should have initiated the disciplinary proceedings before the end of the extended term i.e., within the service period. Proceedings initiated after the superannuation or after the end of the extended term cannot be sustained, the court held.

The Court also clarified that if proceedings are initiated against an employee before their retirement, they are deemed to have continued in service, allowing the proceedings to be carried forward and concluded post-retirement.

“if initiated against an employee before he retires from service, could be continued and concluded even after his retirement and for the purpose of conclusion of the disciplinary proceeding, the employee is deemed to have continued in service but for no other purpose.”, the court said.

The appeal was dismissed, and the bank was directed to release the pending dues of the respondent employee.

“That being the position, we see no merit in the appeal. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed. Appellants are directed to release all the service dues of the respondent expeditiously and at any rate not later than six weeks from today.”, the court held.

Appearance:

Mr. Balbir Singh, senior counsel for the appellants

Mr. Vishwajit Singh, senior counsel for the respondent

Case Title: STATE BANK OF INDIA & ORS. VERSUS NAVIN KUMAR SINHA, CIVIL APPEAL NO. 1279 OF 2024

Citation : 2024 LiveLaw (SC) 901

20. Advertising Vacancy In Newspaper Having Less Circulation Violates Fundamental Rights Of Prospective Candidates: Allahabad High Court

20. Advertising Vacancy In Newspaper Having Less Circulation Violates Fundamental Rights Of Prospective Candidates: Allahabad High Court

Case title - Ravi Pratap Mishra v. State of U.P. and others [SPECIAL APPEAL No. - 289 of 2022]

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (AB) 287

The High Court observed that failure to properly advertise vacant posts is a violation of the fundamental right of the prospective/potential candidates and is also unfair to such candidates. The Bench of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice J. J. Munir issued this order.

Essentially, one Ravi Pratap Mishra had moved before the single judge stating that he was appointed as a clerk in a school, however, Mishra the District Inspector Of School had refused to sanction his appointment as a clerk on the ground that the advertisement clerical recruitment had been published in a newspaper having less circulation in the concerned area.

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

September 24, 2024 19:10 IST

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Punjab government's appeal against a high court verdict quashing its decision to expand the definition of 'NRI quota' for admissions in undergraduate medical and dental courses in the state. "This fraud must come to an end now," the apex court said.

On September 10, the Punjab and Haryana high court trashed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government's August 20 move to include distant relatives "such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins" of NRIs for admissions under 15 per cent quota for this group in admissions in state medical colleges.

"This is nothing but a money spinning machine," observed a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

More like this

"We will dismiss all the petitions. This NRI business is nothing but a fraud. We will put an end to all this.... now the so-called precedents must give way to primacy of law," said the bench.

Terming the high court verdict "absolutely right," the court said, "Look at the deleterious consequences... the candidates who have three times higher marks will lose admission (in NEET-UG courses)."

The top court said distant relatives of a 'mama, tai, taya,' who are settled abroad, will get admissions ahead of meritorious candidates and this cannot be allowed.

"This is completely a fraud. And this is what we are doing with our education system !...We will affirm the high court judgment. We must stop this NRI quota business now. The judges know what they are dealing with. The high court has dealt with the case threadbare," the CJI said.

"Let us put a lid on this... what is this ward? You just have to say that I am looking after X ... We cannot lend our authority to something which is blatantly illegal," the bench said while dismissing the plea of the state government.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Punjab government, said that other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh also followed the broader interpretation of term 'NRI quota.'

Moreover, the states have the power to decide as to how 15 per cent NRI quota has to be granted.

Out of total NEET-UG seats, 85 per cent seats in medical colleges are filled up by the states in medical colleges under their jurisdiction, the counsel, in favour of NRI quota, told the bench.

The bench said now the central government will have to take note of this as well.

A division bench of the high court had come out with an elaborate judgment trashing the state government decision to broaden the ambit of NRI quota for admissions in Punjab medical colleges.

The high court took note of the submissions that the decision to widen the ambit of NRI quota was taken to divert the seats which would have otherwise come to the general category applicants.

"Imparting education is not an economic activity but a welfare-oriented endeavour as the ultimate aim is to achieve an egalitarian and prosperous society in order to bring about social transformation and upliftment of the nation.

"Doctrine of merit and fairness cannot be sacrificed only because the students falling in the expanded definition of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) possess financial muscle.

"Capitation fee has totally been prohibited. If the admissions in the expanded NRI category to include non-genuine NRIs are permitted; the prohibition made on charge of capitation fee would serve no higher purpose, as the State/private colleges would be at liberty to reap the benefits by amending the provisions according to their whims, which means accepting it by disguising the process," the high court said.

The expansion of 'NRI' definition through the state government corrigendum is "unjustified for several reasons," the high court said.

"Initially, the 'NRI Quota' was intended to benefit genuine NRIs and their children, allowing them to access education opportunities in India. By broadening the definition to include distant relatives such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, the core objective of NRI quota is undermined.

"This widening opens the door for potential misuse, allowing individuals who do not fall within the original intent of the policy to take advantage of these seats, potentially bypassing more deserving candidates," it said.

NEWS TODAY 23.11.2024

 

NEET-UG to transition to computerbased testing; oversight group for NTA formed

NEET-UG to transition to computerbased testing; oversight group for NTA formed

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 23.11.2024

New Delhi : Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has indicated that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is likely transitioning to computerbased testing (CBT). Speaking exclusively to TOI, Pradhan revealed that a consensus is being developed in consultation with the ministry of health, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and a newly formed third-party moni toring group led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief K Radhakrishnan.

This group is tasked with advising and monitoring the NTA to ensure robust and transparent examination processes. The Radhakrishnan Committee, established in response to NEET paper leak al legations, has proposed several transformative recommendations. Key among them is a phased shift to online testing to mitigate security risks associated with paper-based exams. The committee also suggested a hybrid model where question papers are digitally transmitted to examination centres, and responses are recorded on paper. This approach would reduce physical handling of question papers, eliminating vulnerabilities at printing, storage, and transportation stages. Pradhan said: “We have already started implementation of the committee’s report. A monitoring group un der Radhakrishnan has been set up, which will continuously advise and monitor NTA. It will work as a third party vigil.” On NEET, the minister said: “The health ministry is the primary client of NEET and it is being consulted for its suggestions. NTA will conduct the test. 

We have two ways — paper based and computer based. Based on the consultation and deliberations with the ministry, the (Radhakrishnan) committee and NTA, we are in all likelihood moving towards CBT.” The ministry of education has also placed renewed emphasis on social science research to evaluate policies and their societal impact.

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com  23/11/2024

Chennai : Six MBBS-aspirants under Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota category had forged the embassy certificates, and three of them managed to get seats allotted in self-financing colleges, said the state selection committee which handles medical admissions. The MBBS seats allotted to the three candidates have been cancelled, and now these will be included in the seat matrix during the special stray vacancy round scheduled for next week, the committee announced on Friday. It said the candidature of all six candidates was cancelled after ‘genuinity verification’. The committee sought verification of documents submitted by candidates to the respective embassies/consulates. At least four of them – Canada, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah – replied stating that the certificates of six candidates were fake. Officials from the embassies also sought an action taken report from the govt. 

“We will be initiating legal action against the candidates. Their applications have been decl ared invalid,” a senior official said. Replies from a few other embassies/consulates are still awaited. Up to 15% of the seats in self-financing medical colleges and private medical universities are set aside for the NRI quota. These seats are reserved for students with NRI/OCI/PIO status. 

To apply under this category, students must provide documents that show their parents or relatives (one of the eight categories, such as sibling, grandparent, uncle, or aunt) are living abroad. “While processing applications before the first round of MBBS admission, more than 100 applications were made ineligible. This was because the ‘relatives’ were not as per the specification, or documents were insufficient,” the official said. The committee later emailed documents, including embassy certificates, to the respective embassies for verification. “We started the counselling because we have limited time. Three out of the six candidates were granted seats in two medical colleges,” he said. 

Two candidates were accepted into Madha Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai, while one was placed  in Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research in Coimbatore. All these allotments have now been cancelled. These three seats will be added to the seat matrix for the special round of counselling, scheduled to begin on Nov 25. This will take the total seat tally for the special stray round to 60 – one seat in Stanley Medical College, six seats NRI/NRI lapsed seats in self-financing colleges, three NRI admissions that were cancelled, and 50 additional seats to Annaii Medical College and Hospital.

AU clarifies stance on outsourcing recruitment

AU clarifies stance on outsourcing recruitment 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.11.2024 

Chennai : After facing backlash over a circular directing deans and department heads at Anna University to recruit temporary faculty members and non-teaching staff through outsourcing, the university has issued a revised circular saying only non-teaching staff would be recruited through outsourcing. A statement from the university on Friday claimed that the earlier circular was issued by mistake.

 “According to the resolution passed by the syndicate and finance committee, it was approved to recruit nonteaching faculty members through outsourcing. However, Anna University never took a decision to appoint faculty members through out sourcing,” Anna University registrar J Prakash said in a release. He said the mistake happened due to oversight while issuing the circular to the departments and university campuses. In a Nov 20 circular, Anna University had announced that new engagement of temporary teaching and non-teaching staff members on daily wages or consolidated pay should be done through a manpower agency only. 

The circular also said the authorities should be inforned about the surplus of temporary staff so that they may be allotted to other departments where there is a need for manpower. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss welcomed the announcement of Anna Uni versity. He said the revised circular was a victory for the PMK, which had condemned the move to recruit temporary faculty through outsourcing. However, he said the university administration is trying to cover up the issue by stating the announcement of recruiting faculty members through outsourcing was just an error

ஓய்வு பல்கலை அதிகாரி தற்கொலை முயற்சி

ஓய்வு பல்கலை அதிகாரி தற்கொலை முயற்சி

ADDED : நவ 23, 2024 02:16 AM

சிவகங்கை:காரைக்குடி அருகே வைரவபுரத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் ஆர்.பத்மாவதி. அழகப்பா பல்கலையில் உதவி பதிவாளராக பணிபுரிந்தார்; 2023 மார்ச் 31ல் ஓய்வு பெற்றார்.

ஓய்வுபெற்று ஒன்றரை ஆண்டு முடிந்தும், அவருக்கு ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்களை வழங்கவில்லை. இதுகுறித்து, பல்கலை நிர்வாகத்திடம் பலமுறை கேட்டும் தீர்வு எட்டப்படவில்லை.

இதனால், பத்மாவதி நேற்று காலை 11:30 மணிக்கு சிவகங்கை கலெக்டர் அலுவலகம் முன், உடலில் மண்ணெண்ணெய் ஊற்றி தீக்குளிக்க முயன்றார்.

பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் இருந்த சப் - இன்ஸ்பெக்டர் செல்வராஜ், அவரை மீட்டு கலெக்டரின் பி.ஏ., முத்துகழுவனிடம் அனுப்பினார்.

பின், அப்பெண்ணிற்கு முதலுதவி அளித்து சிவகங்கை அரசு மருத்துவமனையில் சேர்த்தனர்.

காரைக்குடி அழகப்பா பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் ஜி.ரவி கூறியதாவது:

அவருக்கு ஓய்வூதிய பலனை கொடுக்கத் தான் விரும்புகிறோம். நேரடியாக அழைத்து பேச முயற்சித்தும் அவர்கள் வரவில்லை. பதிவு தபால் அனுப்பியும் அதை வாங்கவில்லை.

இவருக்கான பணப்பலனை தணிக்கை துறை தான் நிறுத்தி வைத்துள்ளது. பல்கலை நிர்வாகத்திடம் ஒன்றும் இல்லை.

இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

Probe ordered into irregular appointments in Thanjavur's Tamil University

Probe ordered into irregular appointments in Thanjavur's Tamil University

It is alleged he overlooked the statutes as well as directions issued by the governor regarding the expert committee’s recommendations.

N Ramesh

Updated on: 22 Nov 2024, 11:01 am

THANJAVUR: An inquiry has been ordered into the alleged irregular appointments in the Thanjavur-based Tamil University by Governor and Chancellor R N Ravi. Former Judge of the Madras High Court Justice M Jaichandren will head the inquiry.

Sources said the inquiry order was issued on November 19 along with the order for suspending Vice-Chancellor V Thiruvalluan from service. It is alleged 40 academicians including professors, associate professors and assistant professors were appointed violating norms in 2017 and 2018.

The probe will cover the actions of Thiruvalluvan who declared probation for the said 40 faculty members without acting on the report of expert committee. It is alleged he overlooked the statutes as well as directions issued by the governor regarding the expert committee’s recommendations.

Also, two public interest petitions with regard to the appointments were pending in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court when he took arbitrary actions. The inquiry, which has been ordered under the Tamil University Act, 1982, will also propose further action on the breach of rules.

The then-governor in 2021 had instructed the university administration to constitute an expert committee to go into allegations of irregularities of appointments.

A three-member expert committee in its report submitted to the governor’s office on August 11, 2021 listed various deviations in the appointments including not adhering to communal roster, appointment of unqualified personnel, downgrading of posts without valid reasons and careless totalling of marks by selection committees.

The committee detailed the deviations of norms in appointing 34 faculties including 12 Professors, 13 Associate Professors and nine Assistant Professors.

Madurai Kamaraj University announces election for nominees from senate & syndicate to V-C post

Madurai Kamaraj University announces election for nominees from senate & syndicate to V-C post

The notification in the gazette calling for nomination by the senate and syndicate was November 13. The last date and time for filing nominations for the senate was December, 2 and for the syndicate was December 3.

Madurai Kamaraj University(File photo)

Express News Service

Updated on:

22 Nov 2024, 11:16 am

MADURAI: Madurai Kamaraj University announced the election of a nominee by the senate and syndicate to the committee for recommending a panel of three names to the chancellor for appointment of the vice-chancellor. Earlier, Governor RN Ravi appointed a UGC nominee to the search committee.

The notification in the gazette calling for nomination by the senate and syndicate was November 13. The last date and time for filing nominations for the senate was December, 2 and for the syndicate was December 3. Academicians welcomed the move but raised questions as to whether the governor will appoint a UGC nominee to the search committee, which would be opposed by the state. However, the issue is pending in court, they said.

TNIE spoke to a higher official from MKU who said that as per MKU norms and with the concurrence of the higher education department a notification was issued, and this did not require the governor's nod. After selecting the senate and syndicate nominee for the search committee, the department of higher education will send it to the governor for appointing his nominee, and they are unaware of the governor's decision, he said.

TNIE tried to contact officials from the governor's office, but they were unavailable for comment. It is noted that recently, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar made it clear that it was mandatory to have a UGC nominee in the VC selection panel.

Election of senate nominee

The scrutiny of nominations will be held on December 2. The publication of the list of valid nominations will be done on the same day. The last date and time by which candidates can withdraw their candidature by notice in writing is December 9. The despatch of a final list of candidates validly nominated if there is an election will be on December 9. The election will be held on December 20 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. If the number of persons validly nominated and who have not withdrawn is more than one, an election will be held at the meeting of the senate on December 20 from 10.30 am to 01.30 pm at the Dr Mu Va Arangu in the varsity.

Election of syndicate nominee

The scrutiny of nominations will be held on December 3 and publication of the list of valid nominations will be held on December 3. The last date and time by which the candidates can withdraw their candidature by notice in writing is on or before December 10. Dispatch of the final list of candidates validly nominated if there is an election is on December 10. The election will be held on December 23 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. If the number of persons validly nominated and who have not withdrawn is more than one, an election will be held at the meeting of the syndicate on December 23 from 10.30 am to 01.30 pm at the syndicate room in the varsity. The counting of votes will be taken up immediately afterwards.

PU Syndicate meeting: six government ex-officio members fail to participate

PU Syndicate meeting: six government ex-officio members fail to participate

Higher Education Dept. Secretary was also absent; the government should instruct all ex-officio members to participate in the meeting as there are allegedly chances to take some decision against the wishes of the government, say sources

M. Sabari

Salem 23.11.2024

The 116th Syndicate meeting was held at Periyar University on Friday in which only two of the eight government ex-officio members participated.

The Higher Education Department Secretary also did not participate in the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by Vice-Chancellor and Syndicate Chairman R. Jagannathan. Of the 22 members, 15 members - two government deputy secretaries (Law and Finance), four members from the Periyar University Association of Self-Financing Colleges (PASAM), two government nominees, four university teachers, and three governor nominees - participated. Six government ex-officio members, including the Higher Education Secretary, did not participate.

The members, who participated in the meeting, on condition of anonymity said that while one of the agenda that was placed by the university administration was to remove assistant professor, K. Prem Kumar, from service for allegedly leaking the agenda of a Syndicate meeting, a few members raised concerns.

Following this, the Vice-Chancellor said that the minutes would be sent in circulation and the members shall give their assent or dissent for that agenda.

Agenda

“In the next two or three days, we will know whether the agenda will be passed or rejected. In the last three years, this Syndicate meeting ended smoothly without any serious discussions. In the last meeting, while the same agenda was tabled, a series of discussions took place and the agenda was rejected by majority members. Similarly, it is usual to take a decision on an agenda in the meeting itself. But this time, it was not taken. The government should instruct all government ex-officio members to participate in the Syndicate meeting as there are allegedly chances to take some decision against the wishes of the government,” sources added.

DME to act against six candidates who used fake documents for MBBS seats

DME to act against six candidates who used fake documents  for MBBS seats

The Hindu Bureau  CHENNAI 23.11.2024 

The Directorate of Medical Education is planning to initiate legal action against six candidates who applied for MBBS seats under the non-resident Indian quota using fake documents.

The medical selection committee, on its website, said three candidates had already been allotted seats. The allotment had since been cancelled. In a notification issued on Friday, it said the candidature of six applicants had been cancelled for submitting fake embassy certificates.

“Among the six candidates, three had got their MBBS allotment based on fake embassy certificates. The allotment of the three candidates is cancelled as per the rules in the prospectus, and these three seats will be added to the vacancies and included in the special round of counselling, which will start on November 25, 2024,” the notification said.

An official said it was routine for the DME to verify the documents submitted by the candidates with the embassies. The embassies responded saying the documents were not issued by them, a source said.