Investigation: Alleged Corruption and Thesis Delays Raise Questions About Academic Integrity at University

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Lucknow, India — February to April 2025

Serious concerns have emerged over alleged irregularities in the thesis submission process within the Faculty of Science at a prominent state university in Lucknow. Multiple research scholars have complained of unexplained delays, demands for unofficial payments, and selective approval of Ph.D. theses, raising doubts about the transparency of the academic evaluation system.

One of the affected scholars, Dr. Desh Deepak A. P. Singh Chauhan, reported that his doctoral thesis, submitted in February 2025, was kept pending in the Dean’s office for nearly two months without academic justification. According to his account, the delay occurred despite fulfilling all required formalities and obtaining departmental clearances.

“My thesis was frozen in the Dean’s office between February and April. When I refused to comply with certain ‘requests,’ the process was simply stalled,” the scholar stated in a written complaint addressed to higher university authorities.

Alleged Demand for Unofficial Payments

According to multiple individuals familiar with the matter, clerical staff and office assistants allegedly demanded money from research candidates to expedite the forwarding of theses to the registrar’s office. Those who refused reportedly faced prolonged delays or rejection on minor technical grounds.

Documents reviewed by this reporter suggest that certain theses were accepted and forwarded within a single day—often those linked to individuals who allegedly agreed to provide the demanded “processing fee.”

A former administrative employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that “unofficial payments for thesis forwarding have become a silent norm.” The funds, they alleged, were sometimes used to influence internal promotions or maintain favorable ties with higher officials.

Pattern of Favoritism

In some cases, nearly identical thesis formats and layouts were approved immediately, while others—particularly those of students who raised objections—remained pending. Records in the registrar’s office indicate that some theses with similar formatting to previously delayed submissions were accepted without revision, allegedly due to internal influence.

This pattern of selective clearance, scholars argue, undermines both the credibility of the institution and the value of its doctoral degrees.

Appeal to Higher Authorities

Following continued obstruction, the affected scholar formally complained to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and the Hon’ble Chancellor. Only after this escalation was his thesis eventually forwarded from the Dean’s office to the registrar.

However, questions remain about why the process required intervention from the highest authorities, and why so many scholars face similar difficulties in routine academic submissions.

Calls for Reform

The case has reignited debate on the need for digital submission systems, transparent monitoring of thesis movement, and independent grievance committees for research scholars. Education activists and academic watchdog groups emphasize that such allegations, if left unchecked, risk damaging the reputation of public universities and eroding trust in academic standards.

University officials have not issued an official statement despite repeated requests for clarification.

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Editor’s Note:
This report is based on firsthand accounts, written communications, and administrative timelines verified through internal documents. The publication does not make any final legal determination regarding individual responsibility and invites official responses or corrections from university authorities.

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