SC directs WB governor to appoint VCs in state universities, ends long-standing dispute

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the West Bengal governor R N Ravi to appoint vice chancellors to three state universities from the names shortlisted by a search-cum-selection committee headed by former CJI UU Lalit. With the top court's order, the festering dispute between the governor, who is also the chancellor, and former chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the appointment of VCs in 36 state-aided universities came to an end.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed satisfaction over the development and recorded its appreciation for the efforts put in by former CJI Lalit, Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the office of governor, and senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, who represented the state government, in resolution of the dispute.

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The CJI said, after conclusion of procedural formalities, the three shortlisted persons be appointed as the VCs of three remaining universities -- North Bengal University, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology and Netaji Subhash Open University -- within four weeks. The bench then disposed of the plea filed by the West Bengal government in 2023. The dispute was going on between the governor and Banerjee over the appointment of VCs in 36 state-aided universities.

In a bid to end the tussle between the two top constitutional functionaries in the state, the apex court had on July 8, 2024, constituted the search-cum-selection committee headed by former CJI Lalit to oversee the appointments. It had sought a response from the governor's office on the plea alleging inaction in giving assent to the West Bengal Universities (Amendment) Bill 2022, which was passed by the state legislature in June 2022.

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The West Bengal assembly had in 2022 passed a bill to replace the governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of all the state-run universities. The court had then issued a notice to the principal secretary to the governor and the Centre seeking their replies.