The Supreme Court directed West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to immediately appoint Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to three state-aided universities: Presidency University, Calcutta University, and Rabindra Bharati University. The court’s order came in response to petitions alleging a prolonged administrative vacuum in these institutions due to the Governor’s inaction.
The petitions highlighted that the universities were functioning without regular VCs for extended periods, impacting their smooth operation and academic activities. The Governor, who is the ex-officio Chancellor of these universities, had not acted on the recommendations made by search committees constituted for the purpose.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Rajesh Bhavani emphasized the importance of having full-time VCs for universities to function effectively. The court noted the Governor’s role as Chancellor is not merely ceremonial and requires him to act on recommendations unless there are compelling reasons not to do so, which must be communicated.
The court specifically addressed the issue of the Governor withholding approval for the names recommended by the search committees. It stated that while the Governor has the authority to seek clarifications or raise concerns, he cannot indefinitely delay the appointment process.
The Supreme Court reviewed the files related to the VC appointments and found no justifiable reason for the Governor’s delay. It directed the Governor to appoint the recommended candidates within a stipulated timeframe, effectively resolving the administrative impasse.
The court’s decision aims to restore normalcy in the functioning of these prominent universities and ensure the continuation of academic pursuits without disruption. The order underscores the importance of adhering to established procedures and timelines in the appointment of key administrative figures in educational institutions. The case revolved around the balance between the Governor’s discretionary powers and the need for efficient university administration.
