Thiruvalluvar, the 13th Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University in Thanjavur, was appointed by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on December 11, 2021, and assumed office on December 13. His tenure was set to conclude on December 12, 2024.
However, Governor Ravi issued an order suspending Thiruvalluvar from his position two days ago. Reports suggest that the explanation provided by Thiruvalluvar regarding allegations against him failed to satisfy the Governor, leading to his suspension.
In connection with the allegations, the Governor has also constituted an inquiry committee led by former Madras High Court Judge M. Jayachandran to investigate the matter.
Following the suspension, students of Tamil University, led by student leader Vinoth Bharathi, staged a protest in front of the university yesterday evening. They demanded that the Governor revoke the suspension order, especially since Thiruvalluvarās tenure had only 20 days remaining.
Thiruvalluvar faced allegations of irregular appointments of 40 individuals who were deemed ineligible during the 2017-2018 period. A case related to this matter was already under judicial proceedings when the suspension was enacted.
Following the order, Thiruvalluvar reportedly vacated his residence in Thanjavur and returned to his hometown in the Viluppuram district.