- 26 July, 2025
Tamil Nadu, July 25, 2025 – In a landmark judgement hailed as a major win for minority institutions, the Madras High Court on July 14 ruled in favour of Loyola College, a minority-run educational institution, reaffirming their constitutional rights under Article 30. The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to approve the appointments of 18 assistant professors and one librarian made since 2019 and upheld the constitutional rights of minority-run educational institutions to appoint staff without undue interference from government or any regulatory bodies.
Speaking to Catholic Connect , Rev. Dr. Joe Arun, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission and Director of LIBA Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)called the ruling a “historic precedence” that would strengthen the fundamental rights of all minority institutions across the country.
He added that the institution had made several attempts to resolve the matter amicably through other available administrative means, but these efforts proved unsuccessful. “The verdict is a historic precedence that protects not just Loyola but all minority institutions in India,” Fr. Arun said.
The consequences of the delay, he stressed, were far-reaching. “Since 2017, many faculty members have gone without proper salaries. This severely impacted three areas — it disrupted the administration of the institution, weighed heavily on the lives and morale of the faculty and their families, and ultimately affected the quality of education our students deserved.
He emphasised the strong commitment of the current state government of Tamil Nadu towards uplifting minority communities. “The Hon’ble Chief Minister personally instructed me: ‘Ensure that every welfare scheme meant for minority communities reaches the people. If there are gaps or delays, identify them and resolve the issue,’” he shared.
“The fact that the government appointed a Jesuit priest and not just another politician to this post shows the government truly wants to administer to the concerns, rights and needs of minority communities,” he said.
Fr. Joe Arun noted that the judgement upholds the spirit of the Indian Constitution and ensures that the unique character and rights of minority institutions are safeguarded. “It affirms our right to establish and administer institutions without unnecessary interference,” he added.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the verdict, he said, “It’s not just about one institution or one community. It’s about protecting the pluralistic fabric of our country and honouring the rights guaranteed to every minority group.”
As Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission, Fr. Joe is also involved in wider efforts to protect and uplift minority communities. “The Commission was established under the Tamil Nadu Minorities Act, 2020. We’ve already visited 25 out of the 38 districts in the state and have received 709 petitions, of which 549 have been resolved,” he said.
He highlighted the range of welfare measures being implemented: “The government is providing substantial support through loans, free funds to start businesses, there are specific associations for Christian and Muslim women, employment schemes, and renovation grants for churches and mosques. The Commission ensures both economic development and legal safeguards, including addressing land encroachment issues.”
With the Madras High Court’s clear affirmation of minority rights, the verdict is expected to influence similar pending cases across India, offering renewed legal strength to religious minority institutions seeking to uphold their constitutional freedoms. It also reaffirms the role of the judiciary in upholding the constitutional freedoms of all communities in India.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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