Delhi HC dismisses plea against appointment of Najma Akhtar as JMI VC

The Division Bench was dealing with an appeal filed by the University's alumnus M Ehtesham-ul-Haq challenging the single-judge's order rejecting his plea against appointment of Akhtar. Haq argued that the appointment of Akhtar was completely illegal as the search committee constituted for appointing the Vice-Chancellor was marred by illegalities.

Delhi High Court has dismissed an appeal challenging the appointment of Dr. Najma Akhtar as the Vice-Chancellor of the Jamia Millia Islamia University. A Division Bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Talwant Singh pronounced the order today rejecting the appeal.

The High Court further said that the appellant has not presented anything on record to show that the Summary Note prepared by the Joint Secretary to the Government of India and the recommendation made therein was out of the ordinary. 

The Summary Note had alluded to the recommendation of the Minister of Human Resource Development which was to consider Professor Akhtar for the appointment. On this aspect, the Division Bench said while the recommendation may not be a wholesome practise, the material placed does not indicate that it was done to bear influence on the Visitor (President of India).

However, the court further added that in the future, it may be advisable for the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to eschew the practice of indicating, as to which candidate, according to it, fits the bill.

"Thus, for the foregoing reasons, we are disinclined to interfere with the conclusion arrived at by the learned single judge. The appeal is, accordingly, dismissed," the Court finally concluded. The Division Bench was dealing with an appeal filed by the University's alumnus M Ehtesham-ul-Haq challenging the single-judge's order rejecting his plea against appointment of Akhtar. Haq argued that the appointment of Akhtar was completely illegal as the search committee constituted for appointing the Vice-Chancellor was marred by illegalities.