2. Learned counsel for the respondent Nos.1and2 waive service of notice. By consent, the petition is taken up for final hearing.

3. The short question that falls for our consideration is whether the management of a minority college is free to choose and appoint any qualified person as Principal of the college or whether such management is hedged by any Ordinance of the University in doing so This controversy has arisen because the University of Delhi is insisting that the petitioner College shall follow the procedure of the Selection Committee for filling up the post of Principal as referred to in Clause 7 of Ordinance XVIII of the Delhi University.

4. The petitioner St.Stephens College is an aided minority educational institution established and administered by the religious minority of Christians. The College was established in the year 1881 and has maintained its Christian character till date. The management of the College is looked after by the Supreme Council and the Governing Body. The Principal of St.Stephens College is appointed by the Supreme Council and he shall be a Christian belonging to the Church of North India. According to the petitioner it

has followed t