Karnatak varsity VC's appointment challenged

Admitting the petition filed by Dr Hinchigeri, Justice B S Patil issued notices to the Governor and Chancellor of the University H R Bhardwaj, Minister for Higher Education V S Acharya and Dr Walikar.

Prof Hinchigeri in his plea  stated that the Governor, also the Chancellor of Universities in Karnataka, had violated Section 14(4) of the Karnataka State Universities Act 2000, by appointing Dr Walikar as the Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University, Dharwad without the State government’s concurrence.

He pointed out that the Section of the Act prescribes that the Governor shall appoint a person from a shortlisted panel submitted by the search committee after securing the government’s consent.

While Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and the Minister for Higher Education had recommended Dr Hinchigeri for the Vice-Chancellor’s post, the Governor had appointed Dr Walikar, whose name also figured in the list submitted by the committee.

The State government had openly expressed its displeasure over the Governor’s appointment of Dr Walikar.

Justice Patil while issuing notices said the appointment of Dr Walikar is subject to the final verdict of the court.

However, Dr Walikar will take charge on Monday, from Dr Srinivas Saidapur, whose term came to an end on Saturday.