Why no V-Cs in 14 universities, court seeks Tamil Nadu's response

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court lately sought a response from the state administration on the reasons for not filling the posts of vice-chancellors in almost 14 universities in the state, along with the steps taken by the present.

Justice B Pugalendhi issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by A Velanganni Joseph against the appointment of S Muthaiah as registrar (in-charge) of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU).

Joseph contended that Muthaiah does not possess the required qualification. He wanted the court to direct Muthaiah to show cause under what authority he continues to hold the post.

Nevertheless, a senior counsel representing MKU argued that Muthaiah is acting only as a registrar in-charge temporarily. He possessed all the required qualifications and was appointed by a competent authority, he continued.

He further informed that a notification was issued for the appointment of a regular registrar on June 2, based on which applications have been received, and the process of appointing a regular registrar is underway.

During the hearing, counsels from both sides informed the judge that there are no Vice-Chancellors in almost 14 universities in Tamil Nadu and that most of the universities are now administered by the registrars in-charge, with all the decisions being taken by the Convenor Committee.

Hearing this, the judge remarked that though he was not inclined to entertain the above petition, he anticipated a response from the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department on the non-appointment of V-Cs and issued the above direction. The matter was adjourned for three weeks.

Taken together, the developments around why no V-Cs in 14 universities, court seeks Tamil Nadu' s response point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.