The granting of a "mercy chance" to obtain a PhD and the increase in the upper age limit for college teacher appointments by Kannur University have sparked fresh controversy. It is alleged that Saritha Menon, wife of CPI(M) leader M. Swaraj, was awarded a PhD after 16 years only because the university altered its rules to facilitate it.

While the age limit for entry into government services, including for medical doctors, remains at 40, the age limit for college and university teaching posts was raised to 50—reportedly to benefit the spouses of CPI(M) leaders. Concrete evidence substantiating these claims has now emerged.

The same Kannur University, which was earlier embroiled in controversy for allegedly amending rules to allow Speaker A.N. Shamseer's wife to continue as an assistant professor, is now in the spotlight for introducing a new rule allowing PhDs to be awarded after the stipulated research period, on payment of a penalty of ₹1 lakh. The university claims this concession is temporary.

Saritha Menon, who registered for her PhD in 2008, paid the penalty of ₹1 lakh and completed the valuation of her thesis within five months, securing her doctoral degree. Since Saritha does not hold the NET qualification, which is mandatory for teaching appointments, a PhD is essential for her eligibility. This is reportedly the first time a "mercy chance"—typically granted only for regular examinations—has been extended to a research degree.

The “Save University Campaign Committee” has petitioned the Governor, demanding that the PhD awarded in violation of rules be cancelled and that a comprehensive inquiry be conducted into all PhDs granted by Kannur University over the past 10 years.