Calcutta High Court Removes Law School Principal, Teacher Found Ineligible Under UGC Guidelines

The Calcutta High Court has removed the principal of Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, affiliated to Calcutta University on the grounds that the incumbent did not possess the requisite qualifications to be eligible for the role, as mandated by the University Grants Commission (“UGC”). The principal’s office was sealed as well.

A single-bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay held:

Said Dr. Sunanda Goenka (nee Bhattacharya), became the Principal of the college from 2015. On the basis of such admitted position that she does not have such requisite qualification for the post of teacher of a college recognized by UGC, she is removed from the post form today. However, if she can satisfy this court by filing affidavit that she does have all the qualifications required as prescribed by UGC she would be reinstated, with all benefits. On the basis of her admission considering the UGC prescribed qualification this order is passed. Not qualifying in NET or SLET and continuing as a teacher of UGC recognized college is wholly illegal. The said Dr. Sunanda Goenka (nee Bhattacharyya) shall not enter into the college premises from tomorrow (06.10.2023) until further order.

The Bench passed further orders for the removal of a professor, one Dr Achina Kundu, upon noting that they did not possess the basic qualifications for being appointed as a lecturer to a substantive post in a university, either. Said Dr Kundu was also prohibited from entering the college premises until further orders.

The Court made further scathing observations regarding an advocate who was representing some respondents, including the principal, and noted that the said advocate had “refused to assist the Court.” The West Bengal Bar Council was directed to take steps against the advocate for what the Court deemed to be “professional misconduct” by attempting to “stall court proceedings.”

Further orders were passed by the Court upon the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata to bring before the Court those who had attempted to intimidate the petitioner and create “hooliganism” against the petitioner due to them approaching the Court.

These observations came in a plea moved by students of the college, challenging the qualifications of their ex-principal one Manik Bhattacharya, an accused in the multi-tier recruitment scam, and the recruitment decisions made by him during his tenure.

Court appointed a special officer, Advocate Arka Kr Nag who was directed to visit the college along with the police and seal the chamber of the principal and affix a copy of the present order on the door of the principal’s office.

Court further called for the name of the senior most teacher of the said college who could assume the role of principal, until further orders.

Matter has been posted for further hearing on 6^th October.

Case: Md. Danish Farooqui Vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Case No: W.P.A. 24026 of 2023