Resolve VC appointments or we will, SC tells TN govt, Guv
With the stalemate continuing over appointment of vice-chancellors in state-run universities in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court on Friday said it will intervene to resolve the differences over the issue between the MK Stalin-led government and Governor RN Ravi if the two sides fail to do so by the next date of hearing on January 22.
A bench headed by justice JB Pardiwala made the remarks while taking up a pending petition filed by the DMK government challenging the governor’s actions on clearance of bills passed by the state assembly, appointment of ministers in the cabinet, and approval for search committees to recommend vice-chancellors in state universities.
“By next date, if it is resolve, well and good. Otherwise, we will resolve it,” the bench, also comprising justice R Mahadevan, said, posting the matter to January 22.
The DMK government led by Stalin and governor Ravi have been at the loggerheads over several issues, including V-C appointments, and the public display of their acrimonious relationship has been frequently reported in the media.
Attorney general R Venkataramani, appearing for Governor Ravi, said: “We are still not able to appoint vice chancellors to some of the universities. Despite efforts, there is stalemate.”
The state government, represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said though the petition was filed in September 2023, there have been further developments in the matter which are important for deciding the dispute.