Governor Sheila Dikshit, who is the chancellor of universities in the state, conducted a hearing in a case relating to the alleged misrepresentation of credentials by Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor A V George during his selection to the post.
The government had earlier asked the Governor to initiate necessary action for nullifying the appointment of George, citing that his selection procedure was ‘ab-initio void’. This after a government inquiry found that George had wrongly stated in his bio-data that he was the head of the Department of Environmental Science at the Central University in Kasargod. During the hearing on Wednesday which lasted for nearly an hour-and-a-half, George and petitioner T K Sajiv presented their versions before the Governor through their respective counsels. Sajiv is a former member of the Mahatma Gandhi University Senate. According to sources, George’s argument before the Governor was three-pronged.
Firstly, George contented that the proper procedure prescribed in the University statute has to be followed for his removal. The procedure, according to George, involved conducting an inquiry by a High Court or Supreme Court judge and then initiating action on the basis of the inquiry report.
Secondly, the Vice-Chancellor questioned the competency of Sajiv to submit a petition seeking his removal. Thirdly, George’s counsel argued that the government’s stand on him had been inconsistent. The VC argued that the government, in an earlier affidavit before the court, had justified his appointment. Sajiv, represented by counsel V Sajith Kumar, countered the arguments by stating that since the matter pertains to something that happened before his appointment as VC, the University statute was not applicable. The counsel argued that since Sajiv was a member of the Senate at that time, he had the competence to challenge the selection of George to the top post.
The petitioner’s counsel also produced an affidavit by the then Chief Secretary K Jose Cyriac stating that George had furnished a false bio-data. However that affidavit could not be filed in court, the counsel said, countering the argument that the government’s stand against George was always “inconsistent.” The petitioner’s counsel also pointed out the rulings of the High Court and the Supreme Court which held that the Governor in his or her capacity as Chancellor had the inherent power to remove the VC if fraud or any other illegality were committed while securing the appointment. However, George said he had explained his stand before the Governor and expected a favourable decision. “The Governor gave a very patient hearing and I am confident of a favourable outcome,” he said.
Raj Bhavan sources said Chief Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan and Addl Chief Secretary (Higher Education) K M Abraham had a meeting with the Governor prior to the hearing to explain the government’s stand.