The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Department to file a report explaining why vice-chancellor posts remain unfilled in 14 state universities.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition filed by Madurai Kamaraj University professor Velanganni Joseph, who questioned the appointment of Muthaiya as in-charge registrar and sought his removal, alleging he lacked the required qualifications.
Appearing for the university, senior counsel Isaac Mohanlal told the court that Muthaiya was serving only on a temporary in-charge basis, had the necessary qualifications, and was appointed by the competent authority. He added that a notification to appoint a permanent registrar was issued on June 2, applications have been received, and the process is under way.
Justice B. Pugalendhi noted submissions from both sides that 14 universities in the state are functioning without vice-chancellors, with several being run through in-charge registrars and key decisions taken by a coordination committee. While indicating the court was not inclined to entertain the petition, the judge said the court expected an official report on the prolonged vacancies.
The Additional Advocate General Bharathan was asked to obtain details from the Principal Secretary on the reasons for the vacancies and the administrative steps taken to fill the vice-chancellor posts. The matter was adjourned by three weeks.
