St Stephen's in principal trouble again

New Delhi: Rev Valson Thampu's free run at Delhi's prestigious St Stephen's College is finally over.

Till now the officer on special duty had the college supreme council on his side but following Thursday's High Court order, even that seems inconsequential.

The court has upheld a writ petition filed by Sheetal Singh and has directed the St Stephen's supreme council and Delhi University to strictly adhere to UGC guidelines in the appointment of its new principal.

It implies the contention of the supreme council that St Stephen's being a minority institution is not bound by university guidelines stands rejected.

All appointments made by the supreme council will be reviewed by the High Court and the court can quash an appointment if it so desires.

Since his appointment in May 2007, St Stephen's supreme council had been bending rules to suit their favoured candidate. Thampu had a PhD in theology that is not recognised by the UGC.

Thampu was doing hearing cases of Allahabad agricultural university while he was in the NCMEI.

He was also a student of the university even though he never informed the commission and never took leave.

The NCMEI in February 2008 had also termed Thampu's appointment at St Stephens as illegal.

But Thampu continued. But he might not be able to rubbish the HC’s orders.

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