No good news from Bangalore University

Bangalore University has withdrawn the Ph.D degree awarded to M Venkataramanappa, a researcher. The decision was taken at an academic council meeting on Wednesday, following a High Court directive.

M Venkataramanappa had registered for Ph.D under Sociology professor BC Mylarappa (who is currently the registrar). Following media reports that Venkataramanappa’s Ph.D thesis was plagiarised, BU asked Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)’s opinion and ISEC confirmed the thesis was plagiarised.

However, a committee constituted by the syndicate said there was no plagiarism. After a council member challenged the committee’s decision, the chancellor formed another committee which reinforced ISEC’s opinion. The committee’s recommendation was challenged by Venkataramanappa in the court which ordered the state government to withdraw the degree.

Venkataramanappa approached the High Court against the order but HC upheld the lower court’s decision.

Mylarappa said: “I am not concerned about plagiarism. I am ready to obey the court’s order.”