Will take legal action against those who misused Anna University auditorium: VC

Anna University VC R Velraj said the university has nothing to do with the award ceremony in which fake honorary doctorates were distributed by International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council, on February 26.

Anna University said it will initiate legal action against those who misused the auditorium of the institution and awarded fake honorary doctorates to persons, including few celebrities. 

Addressing the mediapersons, Anna University Vice-Chancellor R Velraj said the university has nothing to do with the award ceremony in which fake honorary doctorates were distributed by the private organisation, International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council, on February 26, The New Indian Express reported. 

The doctorate degrees were awarded to more than 30 persons, including celebrities like comedian Vadivelu. “We only provided our auditorium on rent to this private organisation and we have no role in the award ceremony. The organisers had not informed us earlier that they were going to organise such an award ceremony and they printed the university’s name on the invitation without our notice,” he said. 

“Since the organisation had a recommendation letter from Madras High Court’s retired Judge TN Vallinayagam’s recommendation letter, we rented the auditorium to them for the event,” he said. Justice Vallinayagam was the chief guest at the event. Varsity officials said the organisers could have used Vallinayagam’s fake letter to get permission to use the auditorium.  

University officials said that a police case has been registered against the organisers at Kotturpuram police station. “We will initiate strict action against those who misused the name of the university,” Velraj said. 
He also clarified that henceforth, the university will refrain from renting out its auditorium or any other space on the campus to any private organisation. He also appealed to the people to be aware of the fact that honorary doctorates are only awarded by universities and not by private organisations. 

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