New Delhi: Susan Elias made history on Monday as the first woman principal of St Stephen’s College, but her appointment has sparked a fresh confrontation with Delhi University (DU). DU announced it would move court and seek the Union education ministry’s intervention to halt funding over the college’s alleged non-compliance with regulatory and university norms.
DU’s Stance on Non-Compliance
DU registrar Vikas Gupta informed TOI that representations sent to the University Grants Commission (UGC), which funds the college, had not received any response. “In cases of non-compliance by an affiliated college, the university has limited powers. We will seek legal opinion and take appropriate action,” he said.
The dispute carries significant financial implications. DU has maintained that if it does not recognise a principal’s appointment, UGC funds cannot be used to cover salary and related liabilities. “Any such expenditure is an unauthorised expenditure,” Gupta emphasised.
Previous Flashpoints Over Principal Appointments
This is not the first time St Stephen’s principal appointments have led to legal battles. The last two appointments resulted in court cases. On May 14, days after Elias was chosen, DU wrote to the college’s governing body chairman, Paul Swarup, asking not to proceed. DU argued that the selection committee lacked the vice-chancellor’s nominees and was not constituted per UGC Regulations 2018.
TOI reached out to Elias and Swarup on Monday but received no response.
Long-Running Dispute Over Tenure and Appointments
The latest controversy follows a dispute over previous principal John Varghese’s tenure. His extension in 2021 was challenged in court by DU over alleged violations of appointment norms. DU also objected to the college’s proposal to directly absorb Varghese as a professor in its English department.
Former principal Valson Thampu, who served from 2008 to 2016, was also appointed amid disagreements. In 2008, the Delhi High Court ruled that St Stephen’s, as a minority institution protected under Article 30 of the Constitution, was not bound by certain DU provisions governing principal selection committees.
UGC Regulations 2018: A New Point of Contention
The notification of UGC Regulations 2018 has emerged as a fresh point of contention. DU maintains that the regulations are binding, while St Stephen’s asserts the autonomy available to minority institutions in matters of administration and appointments. This legal and regulatory clash underscores the ongoing tension between institutional autonomy and university oversight.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi
About the Author: Sugandha Jha is a journalist with over half a decade of experience covering education, social affairs, and current news. With a sharp eye for numbers and a strong grounding in data-driven reporting, she brings clarity and insight to complex issues. Beyond the newsroom, she’s passionate about exploring regional cuisine and the stories behind what we eat. Her work blends analytical rigour with human interest, offering readers nuanced perspectives across diverse subjects.
