The authorities of the Mahatma Gandhi University on Tuesday submitted before the High Court that the government had no power to impose unreasonable conditions on the varsity, which is a self-governing autonomous educational institution. The university authorities had openly come out in protest against the state government after the grant-in-aid for the university was withheld.
In an affidavit filed by Joint Registrar (Administration) Meharunnisa Begum, it is pointed out that the grant-in-aid was provided out of the state budget. The affidavit was filed in response to a writ petition filed by MGU Employees’ Association and others, challenging the government decision to withhold the grant to the varsity.
“The government has no power to withhold, cancel or postpone any payment without assigning valid reasons. However, the commitment on the part of the government to contribute a specific amount as block grant for every month out of the state budget allocation could not be negated,” the affidavit said.