Gauhati High Court quashes Assam University VC appointment

The Gauhati High Court has quashed the appointment of Rajive Mohan Pant as the Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, Silchar. The court ruled that the appointment violated eligibility criteria established under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018.

Justice N Unni Krishnan Nair ordered a fresh selection process to be completed within four months and directed the appointment of an eligible interim Vice-Chancellor. While the court addressed the legality of the appointment, it protected the salary and allowances Pant had already received during his tenure.

Assam University Registrar Pradosh Kiran Nath stated that the university is awaiting a certified copy of the order and guidance from the Union Ministry of Education. Nath noted that the university is not the appointing authority, as appointments are made by the President of India based on ministry recommendations. The university intends to seek legal advice and consult with the ministry before determining its next course of action, noting that the ministry or Pant may challenge the verdict in a higher court.