CHENNAI: The selection and appointment of Dr A Nirmala as principal of Ethiraj College for Women in the city was set aside by Madras High Court on January 7.
Justice MM Sundresh, in his order, also directed the government and Madras University to constitute a fresh selection committee and make the selection as per the amended provisions of the University Grants Commission (UGC), within three months.
The Judge was allowing a writ petition from Dr KRS Girija Shyam Sundar, wife of former DGP Dr KR Shyam Sundar, IPS (retired) and three others challenging the selection of Nirmala.
According to petitioners, the college issued a circular on March 20, 2014 inviting applications for the post of Principal. Petitioners, all working as Associate Professors in the college, and Dr Nirmala applied. However, the committee selected Nirmala and she was appointed as the principal on May 9, 2014. Hence, the petition.
Claiming themselves as far more qualified than Dr Nirmala, petitioners contended that the UGC Regulations, as amended in 2010 were not followed. No adequate consideration has been given with regard to Academic Performance Indicator (API) scores and Performance Based on Appraisal System (PBAS) and there was no transparency.
Accepting the contentions of the petitioners, the Judge set aside the selection order and consequently, directed the committee chairperson to re-constitute the selection committee strictly in accordance with the 2010 Regulations. The chairperson will have to follow the selection procedure as contemplated under Regulations 6.0.9, 6.1.0 and 6.0.2 and the entire exercise will have to be done within 12 weeks. Till the fresh selection is made, Dr Nirmala shall be allowed to continue in the post, the Judge added.