Election Model Code Threatens Tamil Nadu University Leadership Appointments
In a significant development concerning higher education governance in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court has removed its interim stay on amendments that transfer the authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors (VCs) for state universities from the Governor to the state government. However, prominent educationists are raising alarms that this legal clearance may not translate into timely appointments, with the impending Assembly elections posing a major procedural hurdle.
Election Code Could Freeze Appointments for Six Months
Experts point out that the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which typically precedes state elections, would legally prohibit the Tamil Nadu government from making any new appointments. This could effectively delay the appointment of VCs for up to six months, potentially leaving universities leaderless at the start of the next academic cycle.
"If the model code of conduct comes into effect for the assembly election, the state government cannot make any new appointments. It may delay the appointment of VCs for the next six months. The governor and the Chief Minister should give this issue the topmost priority," emphasized Professor P. Thyagarajan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras.
Educationists Urge Temporary Compromise Between Governor and CM
In light of this impending deadlock, senior academic leaders are making a fervent appeal to both Governor R.N. Ravi and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. They are urging the two constitutional authorities to reach a temporary, pragmatic compromise without prejudice to the ongoing court proceedings. The proposed solution is to proceed with appointing VCs according to the existing university Acts and long-standing conventions until a final judicial verdict is delivered.
"The prolonged absence of regular VCs has begun to seriously impair the functioning of our universities. Universities cannot remain hostages to an unresolved stand-off," stated Professor E. Balagurusamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University. He warned that allowing the institutions to drift in uncertainty risks causing long-term institutional damage that may be irreversible.
Supreme Court Directives and the Current Administrative Paralysis
While lifting the interim stay, the Supreme Court has directed the Madras High Court to deliver a final judgment on the case within a strict timeline of six weeks. Crucially, the apex court has also instructed the state government to refrain from making any VC appointments until that final order is issued.
Professor Balagurusamy detailed the severe consequences of the ongoing leadership vacuum, describing a state of administrative paralysis. This crisis has led to delayed critical academic decisions, a complete stall in faculty recruitment processes, and significant uncertainty in financial governance and planning.
"More importantly, students who are entirely removed from this institutional dispute, are bearing the consequences," he added, highlighting the direct impact on the student community.
A Proposed Path Forward
Outlining a potential resolution, the former Anna University VC suggested a consensual way forward. "One possible path forward could be the consensual use of the existing university Acts and established conventions to appoint VCs on an interim or regular basis, subject to the final outcome of judicial review," he proposed. This approach aims to ensure immediate administrative stability for the universities while fully respecting the judicial process.
The situation underscores a critical juncture for Tamil Nadu's higher education sector, where legal, political, and administrative timelines are converging, threatening to disrupt academic continuity and governance at a pivotal time.
