Madras HC stays law varsity VC selection process

Madurai: The selection process of candidates for the post of vice chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University Chennai was stayed by the Madurai bench of the Madras high court which cited the recent controversy over the appointment of VC of Madurai Kamaraj University.

The division bench comprising Justices K.K. Sasidharan and G.R. Swaminathan on Tuesday stayed all further proceedings of the selection process in view of the prima facie case made out by the petitioner, the Tiruchy Government Law College Alumni Association.

The petitioner’s case was that the syndicate nominee to the search committee was a Rajya Sabha MP of the ruling party, and hence might act in a biased manner suggesting candidates who owe allegiance to their political path.

The petitioner also questioned the credentials of two retired high court judges appointed as member of the search committee.

Stating that the issue raised by the petitioner has to be examined in the light of the controversy relating to the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of MKU, Justice Sasidharan observed that it was a matter of record that two out of the three members of the search committee had filed individual affidavits before this court that the chairman of the committee had implemented the agenda of the government in power by appointing a particular candidate.

Taking serious note of the petitioner’s contention that ruling party members prefer a handful of retired judges as a readymade choice in all enquiry commissions or other quasi judicial jobs Justice Sasidharan directed the secretary to state government (in-charge), law department to file a counter affidavit in answer to the contentions raised by the petitioner.

“The counter affidavit must indicate as to the number of assignments given to the two honourable judges named in the notification under challenge after their retirement including appointments as Commissions of Enquiry,” said the judge.
The court posted the next hearing for September 6.