Retired judge to inquire irregularities at Manonmaniam varsity

Madurai: Madras high court has appointed retired high court judge justice V Bharathidasan to inquire into the alleged irregularities committed in the appointment of faculty to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli.A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman was hearing the petitions filed by retired professors of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, alleging serious irregularities in the appointment of faculty for the academic year 2015-2016. The main allegation was that several people who were not qualified for the posts were appointed, resulting in loss to the exchequer. The petitioners also sought the implementation of the syndicate's resolution to appoint a retired high court judge to inquire into the irregularities. However, the request was rejected on the ground that the matter was sub judice.The counsel for the university submitted that a resolution was already passed to appoint a retired high court judge to inquire into the issue and has no objection to the court appointing a retired judge to conduct such enquiry.Appointing justice Bharathidasan, the division bench observed that the judge is at liberty to appoint two advocates to assist in the enquiry.The registrar of the university shall pay the remuneration of 3 lakh to the retired judge besides expenses of advocates appointed by the judge. The university should also provide all necessary facilities, including travel and other logistical support, the judges directed, and posted the matter on June 16.