SC allows VC appointments in agreed universities, keeps contested cases for chamber review. Bench stresses no open discussion on individual candidates.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India heard the ongoing dispute between the West Bengal government and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose over the issue of appointing Vice-Chancellors in state universities. The case is being heard by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
During the hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani appeared for the Governor, while Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta represented the State government.
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Gupta, appearing for the West Bengal government, informed the Court that consensus had been reached in several cases:
“For 7 universities, there is more or less unanimity.”
Responding to this, Attorney General Venkataramani said:
“For 12 universities, the Governor has no objections and they can proceed.”
Taking note of the submissions, Justice Surya Kant remarked:
“Let the 12 appointments go ahead. For the remaining 5 universities, we will examine any reservations in chambers.”
On this point, Senior Advocate Gupta suggested that the Governor could indicate the universities where there were still objections:
“The 5 universities where there are reservations can be indicated.”
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The bench, however, stressed that individual names should not be openly debated in Court. Justice Kant observed:
“Lets not discuss individual candidates in open court. For now appointments that both sides agree upon can proceed. Wherever the Chancellor has accepted the committee’s recommendation, the State should also concur.”
The Court then sought clarity from both the State and the Governor, asking them to share their positions on specific universities.
Finally, while recording its order, the bench stated:
“The Court noted that there is no obstacle to proceeding with the appointment of Vice Chancellors in eight specified universities. Regarding the remaining universities, the Bench directed that the matter be discussed further in chambers.”
This ongoing case highlights the clash between the West Bengal government and the Governor over control in higher education institutions.
The Supreme Court has now allowed appointments where both sides are in agreement, while keeping aside the contested cases for detailed discussion.
Read Live Coverage:
Case Title:
The State of West Bengal v. Dr. Sanat Kumar Ghosh and Others,
SLP(C) No. 17403/2023
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on VC Appointments
