The Delhi High Court has called for the Central government and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University to respond to a petition contesting the appointment of Professor Mazhar Asif as the university’s Vice Chancellor. The challenge raises concerns about procedural violations and alleged undue influence from the Union Ministry of Education.
The court’s notice extends to multiple parties, including the Education Ministry, the President’s Secretariat, and the committee responsible for selecting the Vice Chancellor. The petitioner contends that the appointment process deviated from legal norms, citing irregularities in the constitution of the selection committee and its final recommendations.
During the proceedings, the university’s legal representatives questioned whether the petitioner had the standing to challenge the decision. They also raised doubts about the authenticity of documents submitted as evidence. In response, the petitioner’s counsel argued that, given JMI’s status as a Central university, any citizen has the right to challenge an appointment process they believe is flawed.
The court has taken note of these arguments but left the question of the petition’s maintainability open for further examination. The case is set for its next hearing on July 16.