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HC for status quo on principal appointment

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI APRil 27. A Division Bench of Madras High Court has ordered status quo on an appeal filed by the D.G. Vaishnav College, Chennai, against a single judge order setting aside the appointment of a professor as principal. Adverting to the college's contention that the professor (B. Krishnan) had been directed by the Madras University to work as Chief Superintendent of Examinations and that unless the single judge's order was stayed, there would be a chaotic situation marring the smooth conduct of examinations, the Bench comprising Justice V.S. Sirpurkar and Justice C. Nagappan, said it was fixing the final hearing for June 16.

It would not be proper to disturb the situation particularly because this was examination time. "In that view, we would choose to order status quo as it stands today (Prof. Krishnan could continue acting as principal). Originally, T. Venkataraman filed a writ petition challenging Prof. Krishnan's appointment contending that the latter was not qualified to hold the post as per the UGC norms, which said the incumbent should possess a Ph.D and 15 years teaching experience (as professor).

The single judge earlier this month allowed the plea to the extent that Mr. Krishnan did not have the qualification as per UGC norms and hence set aside the appointment. The judge, while disallowing Dr. Venkataraman's plea that he be appointed principal, however, said the latter could act as principal in-charge as a stop-gap arrangement. In its appeal, the college said Dr. Venkataraman had not specifically raised the issue of UGC norms and the question whether the principal's post could be filled only by direct appointment or also by promotion. The Bench said the university's appeal had not come before it; hence it was not going to say anything at present.

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