Gauhati High Court Orders Assam University VC to Hand Over Charge

Silchar: The Gauhati High Court has directed Assam University Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajive Mohan Pant to immediately hand over his responsibilities to an eligible person, ruling that his appointment violated the UGC Regulations, 2018. Justice N. Unnikrishnan Nair issued the order on October 14, while clarifying that Pant need not return the salary and allowances already received.

The court also directed the authorities to complete the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor within four weeks. The university Registrar said the online copy of the order had been forwarded to the Union Education Ministry, and the university was awaiting further instructions. The appointment had been challenged by university professor Dr Samir Behera over Pant’s alleged failure to meet the required experience criteria.