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HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN BENCH AT JAIPUR
ASHOK KUMAR JAIN, J.
Balraj Singh S/o Shri Ranbir Singh – Appellant
Versus
Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner – Respondent
S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 15729 of 2025
Decided On : 14-10-2025
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. appointment of vice-chancellor and suspension authority. (Para 1 , 2 , 3) |
| 2. procedural considerations in hearing the case. (Para 4 , 5) |
| 3. arguments on the need for consultation before suspension. (Para 6 , 7 , 8) |
| 4. counterarguments on the chancellor's powers. (Para 9 , 10 , 11) |
| 5. defense of chancellor’s actions under law. (Para 12 , 13 , 14 , 15) |
| 6. statutory definitions relevant to chancellor's authority. (Para 16 , 17) |
| 7. powers of vice-chancellor under act. (Para 19 , 20 , 21) |
| 8. execution of power regarding inquiry against vice-chancellor. (Para 22 , 23 , 24) |
| 9. assessment of chancellor's decision-making process. (Para 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29) |
| 10. principles of natural justice in procedural hearings. (Para 30 , 31 , 32 , 33) |
| 11. implications of legal decisions made by the chancellor. (Para 34 , 35 , 36) |
| 12. upholding principles of natural justice. (Para 37 , 38) |
| 13. chancellor's authority extended under specific circumstances. (Para 39 , 40) |
| 14. partial allowance of writ petition based on evidence. (Para 41) |
| 15. final decisions regarding suspension and enforcement. (Para 42 , 43) |
ORDER :
1. Instant Writ Petition is preferred by petitioner who was appointed as Vice-Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (hereinafter referred as the “University”) under the Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner Act , 2013 (hereinafter referred as “Act of 2013”) by order dated 29.09.2022 by the Chancellor (The Governor of State of Rajasthan) for a period of 3 years. Admittedly, the term of 3 years is going to an end on 14.10.2025 as the petitioner has joined on the post of Vice-Chancellor of State University on 15.10.2022.
2. The Chancellor of University on 07.10.2025 has placed present petitioner under suspension pending enquiry by a enquiry panel constituted by letter dated 25.09.2025 in pursuant to powers under Section 25 -A(1) of the Act of 2013 (as amended).
3. Aggrieved petitioner has filed the instant writ petition with following prayer:-
(i) To issue an appropriate writ, order quashing and set aside the impugned suspension order dated 07.10.2025 (Annexure-4) with all consequential benefits arising thereto.
(ii) Issue an appropriate writ order or direction directing the respondents to consider the candidature of petitioner for appointment as a Vice-Chancellor of the University in pursuance of agreement dated 14.08.2025 without taking into consideration impugned order dated 07.10.2025.
4. The matter was considered on 10.10.2025 wherein all parties have put in their appearances and when this matter is considered on 13.10.2025, the respondents have filed their replies and the petitioner also submitted his rejoinder. We have considered the entire petition, replies filed by respondent Nos. 1 and 2 and also by respondent No.3 along with documents as referred by both the parties. Also considered the judgments as referred during course of argument by learned counsel for petitioner, learned AG and learned counsel for respondent No.3.
5. Having taken note of each and every material we have made all endeavors to dispose of the petition after considering legal position but for sake of brevity we are not referring the pleadings of the parties in detail.
6. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of petitioner while referring Section 25 -A(2) of Act of 2013 submitted that it is necessary for Chancellor to make consultation with the State Government but herein neither he made any consultation nor any reason has been assigned to avoid consultation. He further submitted that the provision is not a discretionary and any power has to be exercised only after consultation with the State Government. He further placed reliance upon judgment in case of Dipak Babaria and Ors. Vs. State of Gujarat and Ors. (2013) 3 SCC 502 and Dhanajaya Reddy Vs. State of Karnataka , (2001) 4 SCC 9 to buttress his argument that when a specific act is prescribed to be performed in a specific manner then same has to be performed under the law in same man
The Chancellor's suspension of the Vice-Chancellor was invalid due to failure to consult the State Government, violating procedural safeguards and natural justice principles.
The Vice-Chancellor of a university has the authority to suspend and take disciplinary action against officers, including the Registrar, as per the Bihar State University Act, 1976.
Section 13 of University Act, 2000 clearly states that Registrar shall be a full time officer of University and shall be appointed by State Government.
Dismissal of an employee without a fair inquiry violates natural justice principles and statutory provisions, making the writ petition maintainable despite alternative remedies.
The word “misconduct” on reflection receives its connotation from the context, the delinquency in performance and its effect on the discipline and the nature of the duty.
The removal of a Vice Chancellor without adherence to statutory provisions and principles of natural justice is invalid.
The main legal point established in the judgment is that the State had the authority to pass appropriate directions under Section 19 of the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and R....
First choice in Section 13(7) of “Act” is Vice Chancellor of any other University in Kerala; and admittedly, all such persons are fully qualified in terms of both experience and educational qualifica....
The court established that the Minister's restrictions on the petitioner's powers as Vice-Chancellor were illegal and arbitrary, violating the provisions of the Manipur Technical University Act, 2016....
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