Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Mercy' scheme to award PhD to CPM leader's wife
The Free Press Journal - Indore
|June 16, 2025
An academic watchdog organisation says Kannur University adjusted its policies to grant Saritha Menon T P, wife of prominent CPM leader M Swaraj, a "mercy chance" to complete her long-abandoned PhD, stirring controversy.
Swaraj is the LDF candidate in the Nilambur by-election. Registered 16 years ago and withdrawn from the programme years earlier, Saritha Menon is reported to have been allowed to re-submit her thesis in May 2024. The university imposed a late fee of ₹100,000, and then an additional ₹10,000 for a second extension, drawing criticism that rules were bent in her favour.
University regulations grant a maximum of two extensions to submit a thesis. Shortly before the expiry of Menon's second extension, records reviewed by the watchdog suggest officials introduced an unprecedented fee-based "compassionate" scheme. Critics say this effectively reset the deadline, allowing her to benefit from a new submission timeline.
This story is from the June 16, 2025 edition of The Free Press Journal - Indore.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Free Press Journal - Indore
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Principal shared ques for money
Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, principal of a Pune school arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, allegedly shared examination-related questions and content with a few students for money, the CBI told a court here, sources said on Sunday.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Student dies by suicide
An 18-year-old student from Lohegaon allegedly died by suicide after reportedly falling into depression over low marks in an entrance examination.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
At 106, oldest Pearl Harbour survivor tells story of attack
Freeman Johnson, the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbour attack, was below deck repairing a boiler aboard the USS St Louis when Japanese planes struck on Dec 7, 1941.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Man booked over ‘Black Magic’
A shocking case involving alleged black magic has come to light from the Kausar Baug graveyard area in Kondhwa, where a man was reportedly caught performing occult rituals targeting his in-laws in an attempt to bring his estranged wife back and allegedly gain financial benefits.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Saying no to more dams
Any feeling of relief at the union government's decision to not allow any more dams in the upper reaches of geologically precarious Uttarakhand should be tempered by the likely impacts of existing and ongoing dam projects in the hills.
2 mins
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Traffic diversion as part of underpass construction at Novopan Junction
In view of the ongoing construction of RE walls as part of VUP(Vehicle Under Pass) at Novopan Junction on NH-65 road, effective from 24.05.2026 and expected to continue till the completion of above road work, it is necessary to implement appropriate traffic regulation measures at NH-65 road under the limits of Patancheru Traffic Police station.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
‘Dvpt agreement signed by soc, bldr legally enforceable’
Q. Our society has passed a resolution approving redevelopment in the special general body meeting (SGM) and the project management consultant (PMC) has been shortlisted. One of the members is in the process of selling his flat and the purchaser is availing a home loan. The financing bank has requested an NOC from the society. The purchaser is insisting that the society issue the NOC without mentioning the proposed redevelopment. Would omission of such information result in any legal or financial implications for the society or managing committee. What would be the appropriate wording/ content of the NOC?
1 mins
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Murali bid to ease doctor shortage
The public health administration has promised urgent action to increase doctor strength in government hospitals and medical colleges as a prolonged dispute with medical college teachers places the new government under early pressure.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
KJo gets emotional
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared an emotional note after David Dhawan revealed his upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai will be his last directorial before retirement
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Free Press Journal - Indore
Power Workers Attacked During Repair Work in UP
Tension flared in Uttar Pradesh after electricity department workers attempting to restore power supply were allegedly attacked by angry locals during repair operations.
1 min
May 25, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size