G.O. on search panel violates SC judgments, says Raj Bhavan

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G.O. on search panel violates SC judgments, says Raj Bhavan

The Search Committee includes nominees of the Chancellor, the Tamil Nadu government, Syndicate of the University and the UGC Chairman, in accordance with provisions of the Annamalai University Act and the prevailing regulations of the UGC in 2018, which is held as mandatory by the Supreme Court, the Raj Bhavan said.

Governor’s direction

The Governor-Chancellor had directed the Tamil Nadu government to notify the constitution of the Search Committee of Annamalai University vide letter dated October 25, 2024, consisting of the four members, with the Chancellor’s nominee as the Convener of the Committee, the Raj Bhavan added.

The Supreme Court has already held in the case of Sreejith P.S. Vs. Rajasree M.S. and Others that any appointment as a V-C made on the recommendations of a search committee that is constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC regulations shall be void ab initio, it pointed out.

The notification issued by the government was in difference to the Search Committee constituted, and is void ab initio.

The Chancellor also called upon the State government to notify the Search Committee for appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University as constituted by the Chancellor, which includes the UGC Chairman’s nominee, the Raj Bhavan said.