Conflict between WB govt, Governor over VC appointment remains unresolved

The conflict between the West Bengal government and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose continues over the appointment of university vice-chancellors (VCs). A division bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice Surya Kant heard the matter on Friday.

During the hearing, a report by the search-cum-selection committee, led by former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit, was submitted. Last year, the apex court had directed for the formation of a committee for the appointment of VCs in West Bengal universities.

The committee was tasked with shortlisting names and sending them to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who would then forward her chosen names to the Governor for approval. In case of disagreement, the Supreme Court would intervene.

The Supreme Court on Friday stated that further directions will be issued after reviewing the contents of the report with the next hearing in the case scheduled for May 15.

In a previous hearing on Thursday, the state government, represented by senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, urged for an expedited conclusion to the appointment process. 

He informed the Supreme Court bench that out of 36 universities, 17 are still without VCs. Among the institutions operating without a VC include the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, Rabindra Bharati University, and the University of North Bengal. 

In response, Attorney-General R. Venkataramani, representing Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, stated that there are certain complexities involved, which they wish to present to the court in a sealed envelope. 

They provided, in a sealed envelope, the reasons behind the rejection of the West Bengal government’s recommendations for appointing Vice-Chancellors in 17 universities.

Subsequently, the court advised that since the names were initially shortlisted by the Justice Lalit-led committee, the sealed document be also sent to the former CJI. The court said it would like Justice Lalit to scrutinise it. 

India