Anna University Moves Madras High Court Against Revocation Of Ex-VC's Suspension By Governor

Justice Dhandapani admitted the plea on Tuesday (24th February) and issued notices to the Chancellor and Velraj.

The University submitted that Velraj was working as the Vice Chancellor from August 11, 2021 to August 9, 2024, after which he was working as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, CEG Campus.

It was submitted that the DVAC filed a report which showed that Velraj was involved in grave malpractices in the affiliation of private engineering colleges and appointment of ineligible persons as Professors of Eminence. Though sanction was sought from the Governor-Chancellor, it was rejected.

However, the Syndicate of Anna University, through its meeting, resolved to suspend Velraj and not to permit him to retire upon reaching the date of superannuation, and an order was passed to this effect on July 31, 2025 by the Convenor Committee (exercising the powers of the VC). Velraj filed an appeal petition directly before the Governor-Chancellor, and by order dated September 5, 2025, the Syndicate's order was set aside. This order has been challenged in the present petition.

The University argued that the powers of the Governor-Chancellor were clearly stated in Section 9 of the Anna University Act 1978. It was argued that neither the Act nor the statute conferred power on the Governor-Chancellor to revoke or entertain an appeal against a suspension order passed by the Syndicate.

The University pointed out that an appeal against suspension would only lie to the immediate superior authority. It was submitted that the Syndicate was not subordinate to the Chancellor and was the apex body of the University. Thus, it was argued that the Governor-Chancellor could not usurp onto himself the power to modify or revoke the order of suspension.

It was pointed out that the charges against Velraj are serious and grave and the Governor-Chancellor ought not to have hastily quashed the order of suspension without waiting for the framing of charges by the University.

It was argued that the Governor-Chancellor's order was not just ultra vires but also amounted to colourable exercise of power, undertaken in conscious disregard to the statutory limits. Thus, arguing that the order is without jurisdiction and is a nullity, the university has sought to set aside the order.

Advocate Richardson Wilson appeared for the University.

Case Title: Anna University v. The Chancellor and Another

Case No: WP 5975 of 2026