ORDER

The 5^th respondent entered appearance through Counsel and submits that he is not interested in being a member of the Search-Cum-Selection Committee. As such, the requirement of there being minimum three members in the Search-Cum-Selection Committee for the post of Vice Chancellor is not satisfied. Being so, the question arises as to whether the process of selection can be continued.

2. According to the learned Advocate General, going by Regulation 7.3.ii of the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 2018, the selection process can commence only after a properly constituted Search-Cum-Selection Committee is in place.

3. Per contra, the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the Chancellor contends that it is well within the powers of the Chancellor to invite applications from interested persons, the role of the Search-Cum-Selection Committee being confined to the selection of the most suitable person from among the applicants.

4.Undoubtedly, the process of selection to the post of Vice Chancellor cannot commence without the Search-Cu