The case of the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKV) in Jabalpur, MP, has come to the High Court.
The court has issued notice to the state government and others in respect of the petition in the matter challenging the age eligibility of the university’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra within four weeks.
The petition has stirred up concerns about the rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC) that specify the process of Vice-Chancellor’s appointments.
Petition Cites Maximum Age Limit
UGC has stipulated the age ceiling of Vice-Chancellor on 70 years as per the petition.
The petitioner has done on record, that Dr. Mishra completed 70 years of age on 30th June, 2026 which is the age limit set for the appointment.The petitioner has alleged that Dr Mishra reached the age limit of appointment on 30th June, 2026 when he completed his 70th birthday.
His petition, based on this argument, has requested him to be immediately removed from the vice-chancellorship of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya.
State Government Asked to Clarify Position
The High Court showed interest in the matter after issuing notices to the State government and other parties concerned, and directed them to clarify the position within four weeks.
The petitioner has contended that if the norm be ignored, and allowed Dr Mishra to remain as UGC chairman beyond the age limit, then the organisation would violate its own norms.
The case would now be set for hearing subsequent to the submission of the state government as well as other respondents’ replies before the court. The legal proceedings to determine the validness of the petition, and the future of Dr Mishra’s appointment as Vice Chancellors of the university, will continue.