Nagpur: Dr Subhash Chaudhary, the suspended Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), has challenged his suspension, filed an application in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. The High Court, after a hearing held on Monday before Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Mukulika Jawalkar, has refrained from providing interim relief to Dr Chaudhary and has reserved judgment on his petition.
Notably, Governor Ramesh Bais took the suspension action against Dr Chaudhary due to dissatisfaction with the received report and the Vice-Chancellor’s response. Several complaints were lodged against Dr Chaudhary at the Governor’s office, which initiated an inquiry against him. On February 21, the Governor called the Vice-Chancellor to address these issues, but the response provided by Dr Chaudhary failed to satisfy the Governor’s office which led to the suspension action. Dr Chaudhary has challenged this suspension in the High Court.
According to the Public Universities Act, the Governor, who also is the University Chancellor in the State, holds the authority to take action against the Vice-Chancellor. A committee, led by Higher Technical Education Deputy Secretary Ajit Bawiskar, was appointed to investigate the complaints against Dr Chaudhary. The committee’s report, submitted to Governor Bais, highlighted instances of abuse of authority and noncompliance with Government orders regarding Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL).
During the hearing, the State Government, represented by Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf through video conferencing, defended the suspension. Senior lawyer Subodh Dharmadhikari, on behalf of the Governor, and Adv Atharva Manohar, representing Dr Chaudhary, presented their arguments. Public Prosecutor Devendra Chavan appeared for the State Government.
Additionally, the State has filed a caveat in this case to secure its position. Dr Chaudhary, in his challenge against the suspension and the charges for departmental enquiry, claims that the principle of natural justice was not followed, as stated in the petition filed by him. The High Court has closed the case for the order.
