Madras High Court Rejects Indian Maritime University’s Appeals Against First Vice-Chancellor

Fast Summary:

• The Madras High Court dismissed two writ appeals filed by Indian Maritime University (IMU) against its former vice-chancellor P. Vijayan, upholding a previous decision that quashed his dismissal and a ₹22.65 lakh penalty imposed on him.
• Justice C. Saravanan’s 2022 order reinstating Mr. Vijayan as Director of IMU’s Chennai campus was affirmed by a Division Bench led by Justices J. Nisha Banu and M.Jothiraman.
• Mr.Vijayan was accused of possessing assets disproportionate too his income in 2011; charges were made after an examination in 2014,but IMU also conducted departmental proceedings separately despite disputes over jurisdictionality of such actions for incidents predating his role at IMU.
• In addition to the asset charges, new allegations surfaced in 2016 accusing Mr.Vijayan of misuse of staff and vehicles, allegedly causing financial losses to IMU.
• Despite an inquiry officer finding no evidence against him regarding the newer allegations, the executive council disagreed and imposed penalties alongside termination from service in 2018.
• The court found the disciplinary actions against Mr. Vijayan legally unsound, stating that IMU lacked enduring reasons to challenge findings exonerating him.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The Madras High Court ruling highlights important procedural lapses on part of Indian Maritime University when invoking disciplinary measures against P.Vijiyan esp lacking relevance due mis-calibrated legacy appointments plus decisions/ contradictory instance is always ensuing grounds highlight so This not only places questions?