Prof Eqbal Hussain challenges his removal as Jamia's Pro Vice-Chancellor, Delhi HC seeks response
May 29, 2024
New Delhi [India], May 29 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from Jamia Millia Islamia University on a plea moved by Professor Eqbal Hussain challenging his removal as Pro Vice Chancellor of the University.
On May 22, the High Court quashed the appointment of Professor Eqbal Husain as Jamia's Pro Vice-Chancellor.
It has directed to appoint an officiating VC within one week.
Division bench of Justices Vibhu Bakhru and Tara Vitasta Ganju issued notice to Jamia, Central Government and University Grant Commission (UGC) and others. The matter has been listed on August 12 for a hearing.
Hussain had challenged the Single Judge bench order of May 22.
Meanwhile, the court refused to pass an interim order regarding the decision taken by the current officiating Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammed Shakeel.
The bench in a judgment of May 22 had said, "Since the respondent no. 2 (Eqbal Hussain) 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."
The High Court has directed that the appointment of the VC (Officiating)/Administrator (Temporary) shall be done within one week from the date of receipt of the present order.
"The initiation of appointment to the post of Vice-Chancellor on a 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," the High Court said in the judgement.
The High Court had passed the judgement on a writ of quo warranto challenging the appointment of Prof. Hussain as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University on the basis of violation of the Statute, ordinances and provision of Jamia Milia Islamia Act as well the UGC Regulations, 2018.
The High Court had said that the Visitor of the University must and shall exercise the power to immediately appoint, on an officiating capacity an eligible person as per the extant Statutes as VC (Officiating)/Administrator (Temporary).
"This would ensure that the academic and administrative machinery of the University does not suffer or come to a complete halt. The Visitor, may in the meanwhile, simultaneously, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the Statute direct the initiation of the process of appointment of a VC on a regular basis," the judgement said.
