Issues Order On Bengal Vice-Chancellor Appointment Dispute
In response to a petition filed by the West Bengal government regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs), the Supreme Court has issued a significant order. The dispute arose between the state government and Governor CV Anand Bose, who serves as the Chancellor of Universities.
The apex court has empowered the Chairperson to constitute separate or joint selection committees for one or more universities, focusing on educational considerations. The Chairperson is authorized to appoint four experts to the panel, deemed suitable for the VC appointments. Each committee will be chaired by the Chairperson, tasked with preparing an alphabetical panel of three nominees for each university.
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Urgency was stressed as the Chairperson was instructed to form these committees promptly, ideally within two weeks. Furthermore, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI), acting as Chairperson, will receive an honorarium of three lakhs per effective date of committee proceedings until the process’s conclusion within three months.
The committee’s recommendations, endorsed by the Chairperson, will be submitted to the Chief Minister. If the Chief Minister finds a nominee unsuitable, supporting materials will be presented to the Chancellor within two weeks. The Chief Minister may recommend shortlisted candidates in order of preference to the Chancellor for final VC appointments.
Previously, the Supreme Court had directed the Chancellor and Governor of West Bengal to appoint six VCs from candidates suggested by the state government. Additionally, the West Bengal Assembly had amended the search committee’s composition for VC appointments, raising concerns from the BJP that this move could enhance ruling party influence over the process.
