“The error was not intentional and I undertake that henceforth, the intake will be worked out strictly in accordance with the University Act and government order,” the V-C said in his affidavit filed before the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Devaraj claiming that the decision of the varsity to increase the intake to 44 students from 34 was contrary to resolutions of the academic council, syndicate and provisions of the Karnataka State University Act and UGC norms. He had alleged that the intake was enhanced under pressure from various organisations.

The V-C, however, claimed that the intake was still within the limit fixed by the Syndicate for the academic year 2008-09. He has stated that every effort was being made to improve the functioning of the varsity to enable it serve the cause of education.
Registrar, Professor D Shivalingaiah, in his affidavit claimed that the varsity had not violated any rules.

He said the syndicate had fixed the intake for admissions for 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 and following the failure to recruit faculty, the varsity decided to cut down the intake by 10 seats in each category. “However, due to agitation by certain groups, the decision was withdrawn and the intake was enhanced by 10 seats,” he said. The Registrar apologised for the errors that have crept into fixing  the intake. The matter has been adjourned.

Clear gomala land

The HC on Monday directed the State government to clear all encroachments on gomala (grazing) lands within six months. A Division Bench comprising Justices J S Khehar and A S Bopanna further directed that the government auction lands — if it intended to — only after clearing encroachments.

The court passed the order following a petition filed by the SC/ST Association of Alkenahalli and Mallenahalli of Devanahalli taluk, seeking clearance of encroachment of 27 acres of land in Devanahalli by a leading Bangalore-based educational institution.