Delhi High Court: Delhi High Court invalidates Eqbal Hussain’s appointment as Jamia pro VC

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday quashed the appointment of Eqbal Hussain as vice-chancellor and acting VC of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), stating that the appointment was not made in accordance with the existing rules. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also directed that to ensure that the functioning of the university does not suffer or come to a complete halt, a new appointment as acting VC must be made within a week. While considering the petition filed by Md. Shami Ahmad Ansari and others, the court added that the Visitor of Jamia, the President of India, should direct the commencement of the process of appointment of the regular VC “not later than two weeks from the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (Acting)/Administrator (Interim)”. It noted that the process should be completed within 30 days. Last year, then VC Najma Akhtar appointed Hussain as a professional VC. After his retirement, another notification was issued on November 12, 2023 for Hussain to assume the duties of VC. The petitioners alleged that both the appointments violated the provisions of the Jamia Millia Islamia Act and the regulations of the University Grants Commission. “It must be remembered that the fact that the incumbent VC was to resign from office on the expiry of her term due to the expiration of time was known to all… No explanation was given as to why action in the ordinary course as per the university statute was not initiated in due time ” – the court noted. As per the rules governing JMI, Hussain’s name should be brought before the Executive Council before his appointment, he pointed out, adding that in case of any dispute, the matter should be referred to the Visitor. TNN

We have also recently published the following articles

Justice R. Mahadevan appointed acting CJ of the Madras High Court

Senior Justice R. Mahadevan appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court after the retirement of Sanjay Vijayakukar Gangapurwala.

Mahindra Finance appoints Mahesh Rajaraman as CRO

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services has appointed Mahesh Rajaraman as its new chief risk officer, replacing Mallika Mittal, who resigned. Gaurav Verma will oversee risk management until Rajaraman takes over.

Sulakshan appointed as coach of the Maharashtra Ranji team

The Maharashtra Cricket Association appoints Sulakshan Kulkarni, former Ranji Trophy winner, as director of cricket and head coach. Kulkarni’s goal is to change history by leading the team to victory in the coming seasons.