HC issues contempt notice to Panjab University VC, others

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued contempt notices to Vice-Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover, the Registrar and syndicate members of Panjab University on a petition challenging the reappointment of Grover's wife.
The matter pertains to the appointment of Neera Grover, the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, which had been approved by the syndicate in its meeting on January 4.
Besides the VC, Justice Mahesh Grover issued notices to Registrar A K Bhandari, and members of syndicate, including Gopal Krishan Chatrath (who chaired the syndicate meeting), Gurdev Singh Ghuman, DPI (Colleges), B C Josan (Principal of DAV College, Chandigarh), Puneet Bedi (Principal of MCM DAV College), and District Education Officer Sandeep Kumar.

The petitioner, R K Singla, alleged that the respondents had intentionally and deliberately violated the order of November 13 last passed by a Division Bench, in which the university's counsel had stated that the term of Neera was only till December 16, 2013 and an extension had been declined by the syndicate.
In utter disregard to the order, the varsity had earlier brought the issue of extension in term of appointment of Neera before the Senate on December 8 last, and thereafter as a fresh appointment before the syndicate on January 4, where it has been approved, the petitioner contended.

The term of the Vice-Chancellor is up to July 22, 2015 and the appointment of Neera would commence from the date she joins till July 31, 2015, making her appointment virtually co-terminus with her husband, he further contended.
Earlier, on December 30, advocate R D Anand had served legal notices on the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and members of the syndicate, inviting their attention to the court order. The matter will be heard on August 8.