Periyar University in Salem, Tamil Nadu, named after the revered social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, known as Periyar, has been a symbol of rationalism and social justice in Indian higher education. However, the institution is now embroiled in a high-profile controversy that threatens to undermine its legacy. At the heart of the storm is Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan, who faces serious allegations of financial misconduct and caste-based discrimination. The Madras High Court’s recent warning that Tamil Nadu police may arrest Jagannathan if he fails to cooperate in the investigation of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, marks a critical escalation in this saga. This blog explores the unfolding crisis, its implications for Periyar University, and the broader challenges facing governance in India’s academic institutions.
The Allegations: Financial Misconduct and Casteist Remarks
The controversy began in 2023 when I. Elangovan, a legal advisor for the Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU), lodged a complaint with the Salem city police, accusing Vice-Chancellor Jagannathan of serious misconduct. The allegations are twofold. First, Jagannathan is accused of misappropriating university funds through the establishment of the Periyar University Technology Entrepreneurship and Research (PUTER) Foundation, a non-governmental entity allegedly created for personal gain. The complaint claims that the foundation’s operations led to financial losses for the university, raising questions about transparency and accountability in its management.
Second, and perhaps more gravely, Jagannathan faces charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly making casteist remarks against Elangovan, who had questioned the PUTER Foundation’s activities. These accusations have fueled outrage, given Periyar University’s namesake and its commitment to social equity. The case also includes charges of cheating under the Indian Penal Code, further complicating the legal battle.
In April 2025, the Madras High Court refused to quash the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Jagannathan, allowing the investigation to proceed. Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan emphasized that Jagannathan must cooperate fully with the police, warning that failure to do so or any attempt to tamper with evidence could lead to his arrest and judicial custody. This ruling, issued on April 29, 2025, has intensified scrutiny on Jagannathan and heightened tensions at the university.
The Investigation: A Six-Hour Interrogation and Beyond
The allegations have triggered multiple investigations into Jagannathan’s tenure. On April 25, 2025, Jagannathan was summoned to the Suramangalam Assistant Police Commissioner’s office in Salem for a six-hour interrogation, during which he faced over 300 questions related to the financial misconduct and casteist remarks allegations. The timing of this questioning was particularly contentious, as it coincided with a Vice-Chancellors’ conference in Udhagamandalam, which Jagannathan skipped, sending two professors in his place. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi criticized this absence, accusing the state government of using police intimidation to prevent university leaders from attending the conference, highlighting the politicized nature of the controversy.
Additionally, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has been probing irregularities in staff appointments at Periyar University, questioning Jagannathan alongside other officials, including university librarian Jaya Prakash and physical trainer Venkatachalam. The DVAC inquiry, launched in late April 2025, focuses on alleged procedural violations in hiring, suggesting a broader pattern of administrative lapses under Jagannathan’s leadership. These parallel investigations have compounded the pressure on the Vice-Chancellor, whose four-year tenure ended in May 2025 amid widespread unrest.
Protests and Political Tensions
The allegations have sparked significant unrest on campus and beyond. On May 19, 2025, the Periyar University Employees Union staged a black-flag protest, demanding Jagannathan’s arrest for the alleged corruption and casteist remarks. The protest, marking the end of his tenure, reflected deep dissatisfaction among faculty and staff, who have accused Jagannathan of retaliating against critics, including the suspension of a professor who raised concerns about university mismanagement. Social media posts have echoed this sentiment, with users questioning the Tamil Nadu government’s delay in taking decisive action and alleging political motivations behind the investigations.
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a prominent political party in Tamil Nadu, has also entered the fray. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the university’s decision to offer B.Tech. and B.Sc. programs in Immersive Technology in collaboration with private entities, arguing that these courses lack approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Ramadoss warned that such programs could mislead students with invalid credentials, pointing to a broader trend of commercialization under Jagannathan’s administration.
The controversy has also become entangled in a larger power struggle between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor R.N. Ravi. A Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 curtailed the Governor’s role as Chancellor of state universities, transferring the authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors to the state government. This decision, hailed by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as a victory for state autonomy, has added a political dimension to the Periyar University crisis. Governor Ravi’s claim that the state used police to “arm-twist” Vice-Chancellors, including Jagannathan, suggests that the investigations may be influenced by this broader conflict, further complicating the pursuit of justice.
Systemic Issues in Indian Higher Education
The Periyar University scandal is emblematic of deeper challenges facing India’s higher education system. Several systemic issues have come to the forefront:
- Financial Oversight: The alleged misuse of funds through the PUTER Foundation highlights the need for stronger financial oversight in public universities. Without transparent mechanisms, such entities can become vehicles for personal gain, as alleged in Jagannathan’s case.
- Caste Discrimination: The invocation of the SC/ST Act underscores the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination in Indian academia. Periyar University, named after a champion of social justice, must lead by example in fostering an inclusive environment, making these allegations particularly damaging.
- Commercialization of Education: The PMK’s concerns about unapproved technology courses reflect a growing trend of universities partnering with private entities, often at the expense of academic standards. This commercialization risks prioritizing profit over quality education.
- Political Interference: The overlap between the Periyar University controversy and the state-Governor conflict illustrates how political dynamics can undermine university governance. The Supreme Court’s ruling may empower states to reform, but it also risks further politicization if appointments are driven by patronage rather than merit.
These issues are not unique to Periyar University. Across India, universities have faced allegations of corruption, nepotism, and administrative overreach, eroding public trust and academic integrity. The Madras High Court’s recent order to remove caste references from school and college names in Tamil Nadu, effective from the 2025-26 academic year, signals a broader push for reform, but implementing such changes requires systemic overhaul.
Implications for Periyar University
The ongoing crisis threatens to tarnish Periyar University’s reputation as a leading institution in Tamil Nadu. The protests, legal battles, and investigations have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, potentially deterring prospective students and faculty. The state government’s formation of a high-level committee to investigate the allegations is a step toward accountability, but its findings will be pivotal in determining the university’s path forward. If mishandled, the controversy could have lasting consequences for enrollment, funding, and academic credibility.
The scandal also stands in stark contrast to Periyar’s legacy of rationalism and social equity. The allegations of casteist remarks are particularly jarring, given the university’s mission to uphold Periyar’s principles. Restoring trust will require not only addressing the specific charges against Jagannathan but also implementing reforms to prevent future misconduct.
Broader Impact on Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education
The Periyar University case has broader implications for Tamil Nadu’s higher education landscape. With the state government now holding greater control over Vice-Chancellor appointments, there is an opportunity to prioritize merit and transparency. However, the risk of political interference remains high, as evidenced by the state-Governor tensions. The government must navigate this carefully to avoid further controversies that could undermine public confidence in its universities.
Other institutions in Tamil Nadu, such as the University of Madras and IIT Madras, have also faced scrutiny over issues like budget cuts and administrative challenges, highlighting the need for systemic reform. The Periyar University scandal could serve as a catalyst for change, pushing the state to strengthen governance structures and protect academic autonomy.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Reform
As the investigation into Jagannathan’s actions continues, the focus must remain on ensuring justice and restoring Periyar University’s integrity. The high-level committee must conduct a thorough and impartial probe, addressing both the specific allegations and broader administrative lapses. Transparency will be critical to rebuilding trust among students, faculty, and the public.
For the university community, the crisis underscores the importance of collective action. The Periyar University Employees Union’s protests and Elangovan’s legal efforts demonstrate the power of faculty and staff in holding leaders accountable. Political parties like the PMK can also play a constructive role by advocating for policies that protect students and uphold academic standards.
Nationally, the Periyar University case serves as a wake-up call for Indian higher education. Robust governance, independent oversight, and protections against political interference are essential to prevent similar scandals. The role of Vice-Chancellors must be clearly defined to ensure they serve as academic leaders, not political pawns. Faculty and students should have safe channels to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Ultimately, the resolution of this crisis will test Tamil Nadu’s commitment to its higher education system. By addressing the allegations decisively and implementing meaningful reforms, the state can honor Periyar’s legacy and position its universities as models of integrity and excellence. As the academic community awaits the outcome of the investigations, the hope is that Periyar University can emerge stronger, reaffirming its role as a beacon of social justice and education in India.
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