The Allahabad High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), affirming her position as the first woman to lead the institution in its over 100-year history.
The court’s decision came in response to multiple writ petitions, including one filed by Professor Mujahid Beg, who alleged procedural irregularities in Khatoon’s appointment. The primary contention was that her husband, Professor Mohammed Gulrez, who was serving as the acting VC at the time, presided over meetings of the Executive Council and the University Court that recommended her for the position.
A division bench comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh observed that while it would have been preferable for Professor Gulrez to recuse himself from the selection process, his participation did not invalidate the proceedings. The court noted that the Executive Council and University Court have a limited recommendatory role, and the final appointment was made by the Visitor of the university, against whom no allegations of bias were made.
“We have already observed that the eligibility of Professor Naima Khatoon to be appointed as the Vice-Chancellor is not in question,” said the court. “Her final choice is by the Visitor against whom there is no accusation of bias. She was former Principal of Women’s College of the University.”
The court emphasized the significance of Khatoon’s appointment, stating, “For well over a century, no woman has ever been appointed as Vice-Chancellor. Appointment of a woman as Vice-Chancellor of a premier institution of higher learning sends a message that the constitutional objective of advancement of. .”
Allahabad High Court: Does the ruling set a precedent for future appointments?
The Allahabad High Court decision not only upholds Khatoon’s appointment but also establishes a precedent when it comes to the interpretation of potential conflicts of interest in university appointments. By recognizing the procedural concerns but upholding the validity of the appointment, the court has marked the limits of acceptable administrative conduct in academic institutions.
Professor Naima Khatoon, who holds a PhD in psychology from AM. began her academic career as a lecturer in 1988. She was promoted to professor in 2006 and served as the Principal of the Women’s College at AMU from 2014 until her appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
The petitions challenging her appointment were filed in late 2023, following the shortlisting of five candidates for the VC position. The Executive Council and University Court recommended three names, including Khatoon’s, to the Visitor, who made the final selection. The petitioners alleged that the process was manipulated to favor Khatoon due to her husband’s involvement.
In its judgment, the court stated, “Though we are of the opinion that Professor Gulrez Ahmad ought not to. the appointment process and the limited recommend. the Executive Council and University Court in making of appointment of VC. Professor Gulrez Ahmad has not v. .”
The court further concluded, “We hold that discretion exercised. Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University from a panel of three names. University Court merits no interference.”
The rejection of the petitions has been greeted warmly by a majority of academic circles as a positive move towards gender equality in top positions of higher learning. The appointment of Khatoon is regarded as a benchmark for AMU and a testament to the university’s policy of inclusivity and advancement.
As the first female Vice-Chancellor of AMU, Khatoon’s leadership is likely to introduce fresh ideas and spearhead initiatives towards achieving greater academic and administrative excellence for the university. Her long tenure in the institution puts her in an optimal position to steer the university through the challenges and opportunities that are ahead of her.
The Allahabad High Court judgment not only declares Khatoon’s appointment legal but also reiterates the need to adhere to constitutional principles and ensure that merit and qualifications are the foremost consideration in academic appointments.
With this legal obstacle overcome, Professor Naima Khatoon can now concentrate on her vision for AMU to create an atmosphere of academic excellence, diversity, and creativity. Her term is expected to open a new chapter in the university’s rich tradition, setting a benchmark for subsequent leadership appointments.
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