'Not Appointed As Per The Statutes Of The University': Delhi HC Quashes Appointment Of Prof Eqbal Hussain As Jamia Millia Islamia Pro VC

The Delhi High Court has quashed the appointment of Professor Eqbal Hussain as the Pro Vice-Chancellor and consequently as the Officiating Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia.

In that context, the Bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that, "Since the respondent no. 2 has not been appointed in terms of Statute, his continuation in the office of Vice Chancellor as the Officiating Vice Chancellor cannot be permitted further."

Senior Counsel Jayannt Mehta, along with others, appeared for the petitioner, while Senior Counsel Sanjay Ghose, along with others, appeared for the respondents.

A plea was filed challenging Hussain's appointment as the Pro Vice Chancellor and subsequently as the Officiating Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia.

The plea argued that the appointment violated the Statutes, Ordinances, and provisions of the Jamia Millia Islamia Act. It also claimed that the appointment was contrary to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018. The plea took the form of a writ of quo warranto, questioning the legality of Hussain's appointment to these positions.

Allowing the petition, the Court directed that the appointment of the VC (Officiating)/ Administrator (Temporary) shall be done within a period of 1 week. In that context, it was said that the initiation of appointment to the post of Vice Chancellor on regular basis shall commence not later than two weeks of the appointment of Vice Chancellor (Officiating)/ Administrator (Temporary) and be completed within 30 days thereafter.

In light of the same, the Court issued a write of Quo Warranto, quashing the appointment of the respondent no. 2 at the first instance as Pro Vice-Chancellor and also as Officiating Vice-Chancellor.

Cause Title: Md Shami Ahmad Ansari & Anr. vs Jamia Millia Islamia & Ors.

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