Prof Eqbal Hussain Moves Delhi High Court Challenging Appointment Of Prof Mohammad Shakeel As Jamia Millia's Officiating VC

Professor Eqbal Hussain on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the appointment of Professor Mohammad Shakeel as the Officiating Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Ismlamia.

Hussain has alleged that Shakeel has been appointed in clear violation of the recent ruling where Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, while quashing the former's appointment, directed the varsity's Visitor (President of India) to immediately appoint the VC (Officiating).

The plea alleges that Jamia and Prof. Shakeel did not wait for the directions of the court and passed an “illegal office order” contrary to the directions of the single judge.

The matter was heard today by Justice Gedela, who at the outset orally told Jamia's counsel, Advocate Pritish Sabharwal, that the directions of the court were categorical and that the Visitor of the varsity was “directed to do the job.”

“It is my judgment. I am the author. I know what I have directed and what I've written…We have done what we have to do. If you're not satisfied, you know what to do… It was the Visitor who was given that power,” the court orally remarked.

Justice Gedela further remarked: “Please go and challenge it (the judgment)… it is not bhagvat gita…it can be subject to any test. But I am very clear on this. It was only the Visitor who had the power. I granted power to the Visitor only. Who has done it? I want you to tell me who did it. Does the Registrar has the power to appoint officiating VC?”

ASG Chetan Sharma informed court that nothing will be done against the law and that the appointment has to be done by the Visitor only, as per court's directions, and not otherwise.

As the ASG sought time to take proper instructions in the matter, the court said: “I am not angry. This is the anguish of the court. We have only said very clearly that it's going to be the Visitor.… The initiation should have happened from that side.”

The case is now listed for hearing on May 30.

The plea, filed through Advocate FA Khan, alleges that Prof. Shakeel, with the help of his aides, illegally and forcefully occupied the office of the Vice Chancellor and declared himself as the Officiating Vice Chancellor.

The plea seeks calling of the officials record from Jamia pertaining to the appointment of Prof Mohammad Shakeel as the Officiating Vice Chancellor. It further challenges the minutes of the Special Meeting of varsity's Executive Council held on May 24 ratifying the impugned appointment.

Title: PROF. EQBAL HUSSAIN v. JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA & ORS