Delhi High Court Seeks Jamia's Response On Plea Against Quashing Of Prof Eqbal Hussain's Appointment As Officiating VC

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of the Jamia Millia Islamia and others on a plea challenging the single judge's order quashing the appointment of Prof. Eqbal Hussain as the Pro Vice Chancellor and consequently as the Officiating Vice Chancellor of the varsity.

A division bench comprising of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju issued notice on the appeal moved by Hussain and listed the matter for hearing on August 12.

However, the court refused to accept the submission made by Prof. Hussain's counsel that interim directions be passed regarding the decisions taken by the new Vice Chancellor.

The bench remarked that it will not interfere with the functioning of an individual who is already holding the office.

Yesterday, Hussain had filed a plea challenging the appointment of Professor Mohammad Shakeel as the Officiating Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Ismlamia.

He alleged that Shakeel has been appointed in clear violation of the single judge's which directed the varsity's Visitor (President of India) to immediately appoint the VC (Officiating).

The single judge had allowed a plea challenging Hussain's appointment as the Pro Vice Chancellor and subsequently as Officiating VC on the ground of violation of the Statutes, Ordinances and provisions of the Jamia Milia Islamia Act.

“Since the respondent no. 2 (Hussain) has not been appointed in terms of Statute, his continuation in the office of Vice Chancellor as the Officiating Vice Chancellor cannot be permitted further,” the single judge had said.

Title: Professor Eqbal Hussain v Jamia Millia Islamia University & Ors.