Ensure probe into fake degree certificates reaches logical end: HC directs DVAC

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) to ensure that investigation into the fake degree certificates including fake People Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM) certificates issued to candidates by the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) reaches its logical end.

The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by G Sakthi Rao of Madurai. Earlier, the court had directed DVAC to inquire into issuance of fake PSTM certificates.

A division bench of justice P Velmurugan and justice B Pugalendhi observed that there are serious allegations that the candidates are obtaining fake degree certificates in a fraudulent manner from various universities in order to avail the benefits of PSTM reservation.

The judges observed that investigation into the issue was not conducted in a proper manner until the intervention of the court and the universities involved have also stalled the investigation by not providing the required documents. There is a clear case of contempt of the directions of this court. However, since the investigation is still under way and the TNPSC has taken steps to cancel the provisional selection of the candidates who have joined the services by way of such fake degree certificates, the court is not inclined to impose punishment on any of the officers involved.

“The contempt proceedings has provided a harsh realisation to the court that money power and influence has spoiled every corner of our society and even the educational institutions have become rotten to their core,” the judges observed.

The judges directed the DVAC to probe the issue of fake and fraudulent degree certificates in other universities and initiate criminal prosecutions against the candidates and officials involved without any further delay. The DVAC shall also probe the manner in which the study centres of the universities are functioning and whether they are facilitating such fraudulent activities.

The judges directed the universities to strictly cooperate with the investigation and also take steps to cancel the degrees of candidates who have obtained such fake degrees. The DVAC shall undertake criminal prosecution under Section 238 of the BNS for causing evidence to disappear and screening the offenders from legal punishment, if the officials of the universities wantonly fail to provide any of the required documents. The court has done all it can to bring out the truth regarding the malpractices as detailed above and is of the opinion that keeping this contempt petition pending any longer would not be of any use, the judges observed and closed the contempt proceedings.