“An external person becoming VC of one of the most respected universities in the world, may help the possibility of an impartial probe into various allegations levelled against it. The university, for it own good, should go through this cleansing to save its image,” he said.

In a chat with media persons on the sidelines of Bahuroopi theatre festival, he expressed his apprehensions about the authenticity of the search committee which had a professor who is still associated with University of Mysore.

“According to Karnataka Universities Act 14 (3), this appointment is illegal,” he pointed out. “I was asked to be a member of the search committee for VC of Bangalore University when I was a visiting professor there. I declined the offer quoting the reason that I was already associated with the University. I hope the professor in question will also do the same,” he said.

Tarnishing image

Answering questions about his own involvement in the matter,  he said: “I am pained by the recent developments within the University. I was a student here. It holds a special place in my heart. Legends of Kannada literature and scholars like Kuvempu, C D Narasimhaiah among others were here. This has certain dignity and it has to be safeguarded. I speak since I am concerned, and not because I have something to gain.”

Stating that today, market forces are dictating the universities, URA said the appointments for any post within the places of education should be done with utmost care.

“We have a system where we can change the Prime Minister or President five years after they assume the office. But, we cannot disturb any post including that of the peons or lecturers in the University. Hence, those selections have to be made with a good sense of responsibility. While following rooster system, drawing up a merit list even among those candidates will do justice to both applicants with merit and students who learn under them,” he said.

Warning of resorting to legal recourse in case the Governor appoints a person internal to the University as its VC, URA said the incident of ‘matter approaching the court’ may repeat again.

“People had moved courts when Shashidhar Prasad was made the VC during the tenure of Khurshid Alam Khan as Governor of Karnataka. That order was cancelled later,” he reminded.

Shashidhar Prasad’s first tenure as VC had come to an end within a few days of his appointment since Prasad was reportedly facing some criminal charges.