Calcutta High Court directs State Government to submit its response in a PIL challenging the reappointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta

A Division Bench of Calcutta High Court comprising Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajrashi Bharadwaj asked for the State government’s response in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the reappointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Sonali Chakravarty Banerjee, on the ground that such reappointment had been done in contravention of existing rules.

Background:

In this petition, the petitioner has questioned the notification dated 27.08.2021 whereby respondent No.4 has been re-appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta with effect from 28.08.2021 for a period of 4 years or till she attains 70 years whichever is earlier. This notification had been issued by State Government and signed by the Special Secretary to the Government.

Submission:

The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that under Section 8(1)(b) of the Calcutta University Act, 1979 as amended from time to time, the power vests with the Chancellor to appoint the Vice-Chancellor which includes the power to re-appoint the Vice-Chancellor.

Order of the Court:

The Court, therefore, noted that bypassing the statutory provision, the State or its Secretary could not have issued the notification for re-appointment of respondent No.4 as Vice Chancellor for 4 years. Learned Advocate General appearing for the State as also respondent Nos.2, 3, and 4 are granted four weeks time to file their affidavits-in-opposition.

The Court has listed present matter on 22nd March, 2022 for next hearing. 

Case Title: Anindya Sundar Das v. The State of West Bengal and others