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States » NorthPosted at: May 3 2025 2:34AM


Third petition filed challenging VC appointment in Himachal

Shimla, May 2 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has passed a significant order regarding the appointment of the Vice Chancellor at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan.
Hearing a petition filed by Professor Dharam Pal Sharma, a senior faculty member at the university, Justice Sandeep Sharma directed that any selection or appointment to the post of Vice Chancellor—whether regular or officiating—must strictly adhere to the provisions of the University Act.
This is the third petition filed by aspirants who had earlier applied for the post of VC in the state government university, challenging the constitution and decisions of the selection committee.
Professor Sharma has also cited a previous High Court judgment on a similar matter involving the appointment of the Vice Chancellor at CSK Agriculture University, Palampur, in support of his plea.
Professor Sharma has specifically contested the appointment of the current Vice Chancellor, Dr Rajeshwar Chandel, alleging that it violated the Act’s provisions. Chandel's tenure is set to end on May 8, yet no action or initiation of process has been taken by Raj Bhavan for the appointment of a new VC.
The High Court, while granting two weeks' time to the Registrar of the university, the Secretary to the Governor, and the Secretary of the Horticulture Department to file replies, has listed the matter for next hearing on May 22. The court has also directed that any interim appointment must follow the legal provisions governing university administration.
This legal development once again brings to focus the ongoing conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the State Government over appointments in state universities. At present, Himachal Pradesh University, Palampur Agriculture University, Himachal Pradesh University Summerhill and Nauni Horticulture University are all functioning without regular Vice Chancellors. Appointees in acting capacities are believed to have had political backing from the previous BJP regime.
A petition wad also filed by the Prof D K Bansal of Himachal Pradesh University Summerhill challenging similar violation in the selection committee and Mr Bansal has challenged the decision of selection committee not invite him for the interview.
With the S S Sukhu-led Congress government pushing for greater say in such appointments, including bringing a bill to strengthen the role of the government in VC selections, the issue remains far from resolution. UNI ML ARN SSP
Tags: #Third petition filed challenging VC appointment in Himachal
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