Source: hindustantimes.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Punjab and Haryana high court has stayed the removal of Emanual Nahar as Panjab University\u2019s dean of student welfare (DSW), observing that the \u201ctearing haste\u201d in which the decision was taken indicated that vice-chancellor (V-C) Raj Kumar wanted his dissent against Nahar\u2019s continuation \u201cto prevail\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the order passed on Monday and released on Tuesday, DSW\u2009Nahar attended office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PU, however, has decided to challenge the single-judge order with sources saying that a request for urgent hearing will be made at 10am on Wednesday before the court to list the matter same day. Officials, it has been learnt, remained busy drafting documents till late at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court stay came after Nahar and five senators demanded his reinstatement or a fresh senate meeting to decide on his extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nahar had challenged the V-C\u2019s order passed on August 22, hours after a marathon senate meeting that failed to reach a consensus on giving extension to Nahar, that gave the additional charge of DSW to Jagat Bhushan, principal cum professor, Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, PU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even during the 15-member syndicate meet that was held on May 28 and had discussed the extension issue, the only voice of dissent was that of vice-chancellor Raj Kumar.Staying Nahar\u2019s removal the high court bench of justice Arun Monga observed that the reason given by the senate for Nahar\u2019s removal had to be \u201ctaken with pinch of salt\u201d as it was cited late during the last leg of the court hearing on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even the order to replace Nahar with Jagat Bhushan was passed though the latter was unavailable, the court observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court gave PU seven days to call a senate meeting and take a decision on the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the V-C\u2019s order was passed on August 22, it was \u201cintriguingly\u201d not circulated among the senators for their approval, the court said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
University records before the court reflected that the resolution was merely signed by the V-C as a solitary vote and did not bear the signatures of any other member of the senate, the court observed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court also took note of a 2016 DSW appointment in which former V-C AK Grover\u2019s recommendation to appoint JK Goswami as DSW was overturned by the syndicate and then the senate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court observed that the minutes of the meeting were \u201cdiscernibly\u201d missing, wondering why the registrar did not record them. According to PU norms, the minutes have to be sent to the senate within a month. The video recording of the senate proceedings too went against what was produced by PU, it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Nahar, the recording showed 48 members demanding a vote and the V-C abruptly ending the meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime facie it can be assumed that \u201cthere is no such decision\u201d (on the DSW\u2019s removal) until the same is done, Nahar should be allowed to continue as DSW, the court said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May 28: Syndicate recommends Nahar\u2019s extension with V-C\u2019s dissent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
August 22: Senate fails to take a decision, V-C removes Nahar, students launch protest<\/p>\n\n\n\n
August 26: 14 students\u2019 organisations lock down the DSW office, Bhushan takes charge but not in DSW office<\/p>\n\n\n\n
August 27: Locks broken, officials force their way in with police help, PU announces poll schedule<\/p>\n\n\n\n
August 29: Nahar approaches Punjab and Haryana high court. Varsity put on notice<\/p>\n\n\n\n
September 2: HC orders stay on the removal of Nahar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
September 3: Nahar back in office<\/p>\n