The Madras University Vice Chancellor Appointment matter filed by B. Jagannath- came up today for Hearing on 23.04.2024 before the Learned First Bench.
The Madras University Vice Chancellor Appointment matter filed by B. Jagannath- came up today for Hearing on 23.04.2024 before the Learned First Bench. P. Wilson had sought to appear on behalf of D.Ravichandran, for the Madras University. Senior Counsel for the Petitioner objected that there was no paper filed and affidavit also not prepared hence there was no SR number also. Upon a query to Mr. P. Wilson this was disputed by him but he couldn’t give the SR number. This was the answer given by him when a specific question in this regard was posed by the Honourable Chief Bench & the same is reflected in the Order as there is no SR number . Mr. NL. Rajah, Senior Advocate appearing for the Petitioner B. Jagannath, on behalf of R. Kannan & Mr. ARL Sundaresan – Learned ASG appearing for Rabu Manohar for UGC – had strongly objected & opposed to the Arguments made by Mr. P. Wilson
as he made a submission that it was the Governor who had ensured that the Vice Chancellor was not appointed.
This was pointed out to be factually incorrect & also untrue as the Honourable Governor had issued a Communication vide Press Release attached herein – dated 09.01.2024 stating that he had withdrawn his earlier order.
The First Bench expressed deep anguish, concern & disappointment pertaining to the manner in which academic excellence had taken a beating due to the attitude of Government officials. Already on two occasions the First Bench has very seriously concerned in this aspect wherein the Vice Chancellor had not been appointed for the Madras University. Furthermore, the fact that UGC nominee had not been appointed in the search cum selection committee for appointment of Vice Chancellor was already made to be declared in the previous hearing by the Chief Bench as no longer Res Integra. Despite filing the Impleading petition after 6 months (October 2023) Chance was given to Mr. Wilson to file Impleading on behalf of D. Ravichandran for the Madras University.
[24/04, 13:34]
