Click to play videoNew Delhi: It's one of India's premiere colleges but St Stephen's College in the Capital is now the venue of a major power struggle.
At the centre of the row is Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Reverend Wilson Thampu. His critics say Reverend Thampu is acting as a de-facto principal of the college and have filed a case in the National Commission for Minorities Educational Institutions, challenging his appointment to the post of OSD.
"Firstly, there should be a proper advertisement and selection. The qualification should at least be a doctorate. Now, neither can he be appointed in capacity of the principal nor in the capacity of an OSD,” said the petitioner's lawyer Anis Suhrawardy.
According to the College's Constitution, when the Principal's post becomes vacant, the Vice Principal must take over.
But when Principal Anil Wilson resigned in May after 17 years of service, that did not happen.
Though an advertisement for the post was made, the college's Supreme Council later decided to put Reverand Thampu at the helm temporarily.
For this, the post of OSD was created but his appointment was never ratified by the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University.
"I am surprised that the Bishop has appointed him as OSD. There is no provision for that. He could have easily given it to the VC or acting principal. It is a question of propriety,” said senior journalist and Stefanian Satish Jacob.
When CNN-IBN contacted him to get his reaction on the allegations, Reverand Thampu declined comment.
"Whatever has to be said on the matter will be said at the right time at the appropriate forum," he said.
A hearing of the matter took place at NCMEI and the commission has sent show cause notices to the college authorities, Delhi University and the UGC. They have to reply by November 13.
(With inputs from Sanjeev Sharma)
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
