In-charge dean restrained from taking major decisions

The Madras High Court today restrained K Omar Hattab, in-charge dean of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute at Karaikal, from taking any major decisions, including affiliation and disaffiliation of the institution and career advancement.
An interim order to this effect was passed by Justice D Hariparanthaman on a writ petition filed by Associate Professor of the college S Anandkumar.
Hattab was appointed in-charge dean in October 2014 as a "stop-gap arrangement," it was alleged.
Kavitha Rameswhar, counsel for Anandkumar, alleged Hattab did not possess the basic qualification of having served as a professor for five years, while being appointed to the post.

Noting that he was merely an Associate Professor, she said Hattab was "completely ineligible" to lay any claim to the post of Dean.
A selection committee recommended the appointment of some other candidate but it was disregarded by the authorities who appointed Hattab overlooking several other qualified professors, the petition alleged.
Listing the major decisions taken by Hattab contrary to norms and rules, the petition said his decision on career advancement and affiliation with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University were against norms, the petition said.
"As his appointment itself is under a cloud, he should be restrained from taking any major academic decisions pending disposal of the case," the petition said.