Plea Challenging The Appointment Of Najma Akhtar As Jamia's VC: Delhi HC Issues Notice [Read Petition]

The Single Bench of Justice A.K. Chawla has also issued notices to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Vice Chancellor herself.

Filed by M. Ehtesham-ul-Haque, a JMI alumnus, the petition has alleged that Ms. Akhtar's appointment was invalid for the reasons that the search committee, which selected prospective candidates for the post, was constituted illegally and that she had been denied CVC clearance initially. It mentions:

'It is submitted that the entire process culminating into the impugned appointment of Najma Akhtar is a colourable exercise of power and in flagrant violation and total non-compliance of the statutory provisions of the Jamia Millia Islamia Act, 1988.'

Citing her appointment as illegal and arbitrary, the petition claims that CVC had earlier denied Vigilance Clearance Certificate to Najma Akhtar by stating that:

'not to consider Dr. Najma Akhtar for any post-retirement assignment / re-employment in the organizations / institutions /Universities falling within the administrative control of MHRD.'

This, however, was subsequently revoked after the intervention by the Ministry of HRD. The Petitioner argues that such revocation is contrary to law.

Advocate Mobashshir Sarwar appeared for the petitioner.

Picture Courtesy: One India

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