Staff members at Davanagere University in Karnataka, India, have raised serious concerns regarding the authenticity of PhD certificates submitted by faculty members, particularly those obtained from universities outside the state. This demand for verification follows the introduction of a standard operating procedure (SOP) by the department of collegiate education aimed at ensuring the authenticity of PhD certificates for guest lecturers. Over 40 professors have petitioned the university registrar, urging the administration to extend these verification measures to permanent faculty as well. They argue that if guest lecturers are subject to these checks, the same standard should apply to all faculty members. Allegations have surfaced that some faculty may have secured their positions using questionable PhD degrees, with claims of serious irregularities throughout the doctoral process at certain institutions. These concerns threaten to undermine academic standards and the future of students. In response, university registrar SB Gunti acknowledged the demand for verification and indicated that discussions with the vice-chancellor would determine the next steps regarding the SOP's implementation.