Date:18/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/18/stories/2006051819810500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Acceptance of VRS request challenged

Special Correspondent

3-month notice waived for DMK candidate

CHENNAI: A public interest litigation petition, challenging the acceptance of the voluntary retirement request of M. Naganathan, DMK candidate in Triplicane constituency, by Madras University has been filed in the Madras High Court.

A Vacation Bench comprising Justice N. Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice S. Tamilvanan ordered notices to the Madras University and Dr. Naganathan.

In his petition, N. Sudarshan submitted that instead of submitting his resignation to the university authorities, the unsuccessful DMK candidate had opted for the VRS in his letter dated March 21.

Even before his letter could be considered, the DMK announced its list of candidates for Assembly elections. Though it is mandatory to give a three-month notice period whenever VRS is opted for, the Vice-Chancellor of the university relieved him from service with immediate effect, the petitioner contended.

Members of the Syndicate alone are empowered to take a final decision in the matter, he said, adding that at least nine of the 25 Syndicate members objected to the waiver of the three-month mandatory notice period for Dr. Naganathan.

Moreover, a person submitting the VRS would normally be relieved of the duty only on the last date of the month and not earlier. This norm was also violated in the case of the DMK candidate, the petitioner said.

He wanted the court to call for the entire records and quash the VRS given to Dr. Naganathan.