Sat Apr 26 18:24:26 UTC 2025: **Madras High Court to Examine Criminal Contempt by State Officials**
Chennai, April 26, 2025 – The Madras High Court will investigate whether top Tamil Nadu government officials committed criminal contempt of court. The investigation stems from the officials’ alleged obstruction of efforts by retired judge V. Parthiban, the Interim Administrator of Pachaiyappa’s Trust, to fill 132 faculty vacancies at six colleges.
Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy expressed serious concerns, stating that the Higher Education Secretary, the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption appeared to be deliberately delaying the appointments. He noted consistent opposition from the government at every stage of the recruitment process, even after a Division Bench of the High Court dismissed a petition challenging the appointments.
The court highlighted that the government requested a DVAC enquiry against the trust, despite earlier court rulings. Justice Chakravarthy deemed this a concerted effort to undermine court orders and suggested it amounted to a grave threat to the administration of justice.
The issue initially arose from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a former student challenging the recruitment notification. While an earlier ruling clarified that prior permission from the Directorate of Collegiate Education wasn’t needed, the government continued its opposition. Further, the Directorate of Collegiate Education rejected the entire list of 126 selected candidates citing reservation issues, a decision the judge deemed contemptuous. The director has been summoned to court on June 2nd to explain their actions.
Because criminal contempt proceedings require a Division Bench, Justice Chakravarthy has referred the case to the Chief Justice for further action.
First Piper 