The students of Sree Muthukumaraswamy College (SMKC) in Kodungaiyur have been allowed to attend classes after they were allegedly barred from doing so over non-payment of fees.

A press release from the college on Thursday (August 13, 2026) stated: “Time has also been given to the students to pay the fees as soon as possible. The fees this year have been increased by ₹1,500 for the second year and ₹2,000 for the third year per semester compared with the previous year.”

The Hindu, on August 12, reported that students were not allowed to attend classes. The students had alleged that they were asked to pay the fees upfront, which was not the practice previously.

According to the press release, the first intimation of the increase in fees was made in April 2026, and subsequently, two other notices were also issued to the students regarding this. Fee payments were collected partially from the beginning and will continue to be collected in this manner, the release further said.

“The management is committed towards the service of the welfare of the students and to provide good-quality education to the society,” said P. Uvaraja Sundaram, SMKC secretary.

Published - August 13, 2026 03:25 pm IST