Anna University's VC MK Surappa moves Madras High Court to implead PIL filed to quash the order of inquiry against him

In the latest development of Anna University Vice-Chancellor M K Surappa's case, he has moved the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court seeking to be impleaded in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed this week challenging the State Government's order of inquiry against him over corruption complaints.

A counsel representing Surappa approached a division bench comprising Justices N Kirubakaran and B Pugalendhi on Friday with an impleading application and prayed the judges to allow the same so that he can place his submissions in connection with the case. But the said application was vehemently opposed by Advocate General Vijay Narayan on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction. 

Appearing on behalf of the State government, Narayan contended that the VC is 'forum-shopping' (the practice of choosing which court is likely to provide the most favourable outcome) by filing the case in Madurai instead of going before the Principal Seat.

He retained his earlier stand in the PIL that the case is a service matter and cannot be heard as a PIL. However, the judges said they decided to hear the PIL only after considering all aspects by keeping the well being of the students of the varsity in mind. 

Also adding the Chancellor as a party in the case, the judges issued notice and adjourned the matter to December 9. The PIL was filed by a writer, Manithanigai Kumar from Kanyakumari in favour of the VC, seeking to quash the Government Order.