Kerala High Court Halts Vice Chancellor Selection at Calicut University Due to Committee Shortfall

Court mandates Senate meeting within 30 days to elect a new member to the Search-Cum-Selection Committee.

In a significant judgment, the Kerala High Court has directed a pause in the selection process for the Vice Chancellor of Calicut University, emphasizing the necessity of a duly constituted Search-Cum-Selection Committee as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018. The judgment was delivered by Mr. Justice V.G. Arun in response to a writ petition filed by the State of Kerala against the Chancellor of the University of Calicut.

The court highlighted the critical role of the Search-Cum-Selection Committee in the appointment process, which cannot commence without the committee's proper constitution. The issue arose when a member of the committee expressed his unwillingness to serve, resulting in a breach of the minimum three-member requirement mandated by the UGC Regulations.

The Advocate General representing the State of Kerala argued that the selection process should not proceed until the committee is fully constituted. Conversely, counsel for the Chancellor contended that applications could still be invited, with the committee's role limited to selecting the most suitable candidate from the applicants.

In its order, the court clarified that while applications for the Vice Chancellor's position could be invited, the selection process should remain on hold until the committee is properly formed. The court instructed the Senate of the University to convene within 30 days to elect a new member to the committee, ensuring the elected member's consent before forwarding the decision to the Chancellor for approval.

This decision underscores the importance of adhering to established regulations and procedures in university appointments, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Bottom Line:

The process of selection for the post of Vice Chancellor cannot commence without a duly constituted Search-Cum-Selection Committee, as per Regulation 7.3.ii of the UGC Regulations, 2018. The Senate must convene to elect a new member to the Committee when a member expresses unwillingness to serve.

Statutory provision(s): UGC Regulations, 2018

State of Kerala v. Chancellor, University of Calicut, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2813417