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Dr. S. Mohan v. The Secretary to the Chancellor, Puducherry Technological University & Ors.

Not available · 2026 INSC 100Decided 30 Jan 2026
Not available
Justice Sandeep Mehta · Justice Vikram Nath

Background

A Vice-Chancellor's 2021 appointment was challenged because the Search-cum-Selection Committee excluded a UGC nominee and included an official with a conflict of interest, violating binding UGC Regulations. The Madras High Court struck down the enabling state provision and quashed the appointment, but let him stay temporarily.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court agreed the Committee's composition violated binding UGC standards (flowing from Parliament's power over higher education). But since there was no allegation against the Vice-Chancellor's own conduct, the Court used its Article 142 power to let him continue until his term ends or a valid replacement is selected, while directing the state to amend its law.

Lesson Learnt

Courts can protect an individual who acted in good faith even when the underlying appointment process is found defective, but the government must still fix the process itself.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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