Fake PSTM certs: HC permits DVAC to search varsities if docus are denied

EXPRESSING displeasure over the non-cooperation of four varsities in the investigation being conducted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) into the alleged issuance of fake Persons Studied under Tamil Medium (PSTM) certificates, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitted the investigation agency to expand the scope of the probe and add those who are suppressing material documents as offenders in the case.

- JEGADEESWARI PANDIAN @ Madurai

The agency was also directed to depute an officer to each of the four varsities — Periyar University, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Annamalai University and Madras University — to obtain the documents. If the varsities refuse to provide the required documents, the agency can conduct a search and collect the documents from their premises, a bench comprising Justices P Velmurugan and B Pugalendhi said. It also directed the investigating officer to file a report on further development in the prob