The Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it (the court) shouldn’t stay its decision ordering a probe into various allegations, including charges of bribe, against Anna University Vice-Chancellor M K Surappa.

Puthiyathalaimurai TV reported that the question to the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was raised by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court.

The court asked the State government why it did not try to find out if there was a prima facie on the letters it received from various persons before ordering an investigation. It also wondered why the Edappadi K Palaniswami government showed haste in ordering the probe.

The High Court’s observation comes at a time when retired justice P Kalaiyarasan, who has been nominated to investigate the allegations and submit a report within three months, said that he will begin receiving complaints against Surappa from tomorrow until 10 December.

The High Court’s observation is not surprising given the view of educationists in the state who view the move as a “threat” asking Surappa as well as other vice-chancellors to toe the ruling AIADMK’s line.

Experts have wondered if the State government is competent technically to appoint an investigation panel to probe the Anna University Vice-Chancellor since the State Governor, as the Chancellor, is the appointing authority.

Other details on the court’s proceedings are awaited.