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Court Raps Bribe Culture: Degrees for Sale?
7 Apr
Summary
- Court refused to quash FIR against woman accused of fraud.
- Accused defrauded aspirant of over Rs 22 lakh for PhD and job.
- Court noted a chilling trend where bribes are perceived to buy anything.
The Allahabad high court recently declined to quash an FIR against Priyanka Senger, who is accused of defrauding an individual of more than Rs 22 lakh. The fraud allegedly involved promises of securing a PhD degree and an assistant professor position. The court, comprising Justices JJ Munir and Tarun Saxena, expressed dismay at the growing perception that academic credentials and employment can be bought with bribes.
In its decision dated March 31, the court highlighted a "chilling trend" in society, noting that even educated individuals can fall victim to such scams due to a misplaced faith in corrupt practices. The FIR, lodged by Tanya Dixit, states that Senger and co-accused assured her admission to a PhD program and an assistant professor job. Dixit transferred Rs 22.18 lakh, but instead received forged documents.
When Dixit discovered the fraud and threatened legal action, the accused allegedly issued death threats and threats of implication in false cases. The court rejected the argument for quashing the FIR based on parity with other accused, stating that university admissions and appointments must follow prescribed procedures, not corrupt means. The high court stressed the need for a thorough police investigation into the allegations.
