University Can't Flip the Script: Manipur HC Shields Selected Teachers from Syndicate's U-Turn

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Manipur at Imphal has struck down Dhanamanjuri University's attempt to selectively cancel appointments of Assistant Professors in Physics and Botany, declaring that the university's Syndicate lacks the power to annul its own prior approvals or multiple recommendations from the Selection Committee. Delivered by Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma on April 9, 2026, the decision in Dr. Thongram Kamala Devi v. Dhanamanjuri University (WP(C) Nos. 633, 501, 486, 495 of 2024 & connected matters) reinforces statutory hierarchies under the Dhanamanjuri University Act, 2017 (DMU Act), emphasizing that only the Chancellor holds annulment powers.

From Delayed Results to Syndicate Showdown

The saga began with Advertisement No. 03/2020 dated December 19, 2020, inviting applications for 88 Assistant Professor posts across 22 subjects at Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Imphal. Interviews wrapped up in 2021, but results languished until candidates approached the High Court in WP(C) No. 790 of 2023. On February 8, 2024, the court directed result declaration within four weeks.

Complying via Syndicate approval on February 27, 2024, then-Vice Chancellor Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh issued Notification dated February 29, 2024, selecting 83 candidates across 21 subjects (Zoology excluded due to litigation). Petitioners—selected for Physics (Ksh. Jugeshwar Singh, Longjam Lovedy Singh, Laishram Modhuchandra Singh) and Botany (Dr. Yumkham Sanatombi Devi, Dr. Thongram Kamala Devi, Md. Asad Ali)—awaited appointments.

Enter the twist: A new in-charge VC (H. Gyan Prakash Singh) convened an "emergency" Syndicate meeting on July 18, 2024, nullifying the February notification for lacking state approval (citing 2021/2023 DP OMs) and alleging blank tabulation sheets for Physics/Botany. A fresh July 18 notification incorporated prior selections (except these subjects) plus 60 additional posts, while July 19 called re-interviews for the duo subjects—sparking these petitions.

Petitioners' Battle Cry: 'No Retro Rules, No Blank Sheet Fiction'

Petitioners, represented by seniors like HS Paonam and M. Hemchandra, argued DMU's autonomy under the DMU Act: Syndicate appoints on Selection Committee recommendations (Statutes 13(i), 26(ix), 27); only Chancellor annuls proceedings (Section 12(8)). They slammed the Syndicate's overreach—lacking power to scrap multiple recommendations without Chancellor referral (Statute 27(v))—and disputed "blank sheets," citing former VC's affidavit (sheets signed by online experts, collected by Registrar) plus expert letters confirming assessments. No prior DP approval needed; OMs can't override statute. Selective inclusion of other subjects violated Article 14, breaching approbate-reprobate and estoppel.

Unsuccessful Botany candidates in WP(C) Nos. 728/2024 & 580/2025 sought fresh interviews or inquiry completion.

University's Defense: 'Blanks Mean Restart, State Nod Essential'

DMU and State (via Dy AG H. Debendra) countered: DP OMs (August 16, 2021; April 11, 2023) mandate approval for university results; July 13 envelope check revealed blank Physics/Botany sheets (50-53 candidates unmarked). Syndicate validly rejected under Statute 27(iv), opting re-interview. No indefeasible appointment right pre-joining; vigilance probe (Case No. 5/V/2024) bars writs over disputed facts. Former VC impleaded; non-joinder of all interviewees fatal.

Decoding the Statutes: Chancellor Trumps Syndicate

Justice Sharma meticulously parsed the DMU Act: Syndicate appoints teachers (Statute 13(i)) but can't annul multiples (27(v) mandates Chancellor referral) or its decisions—exclusive Chancellor turf (Section 12(8)). VC convenes Syndicate solo (Statute 3(iii)). No "difficulty" under Section 30 justifies DP OMs overriding autonomy. Selective cancellation arbitrary, sans proof blanks predated February approval (former VC uncontroverted; experts affirmed marking).

Precedents bolstered: Ratan Kumar Tandon (executive can't override statute); N. Murugesan (no approbate-reprobate); Mohinder Singh Gill (grounds fixed, no post-hoc supplements).

As other reports noted, the court distinguished advertised vs. additional posts, greenlighting re-interviews only for extras (7 Botany, 9 Physics) while protecting originals—echoing fairness mandates.

Key Observations - "Syndicate does not have any power to annul or cancel its earlier decisions... such power lies with the ‘Chancellor’ under Section 12(8) ." - "DMU does not require prior approval of the State Government for recruitment and appointment of its employees including that of the Assistant Professors." - "Blank tabulation sheets... does not automatically mean that such papers were also non-existent during Syndicate meeting held on 27 .02.2024." - "VC has exclusive power to convene meeting of the authority of the University including that of Syndicate."

Victory for Stability: Reinstate, Reinterview Extras

Writs allowed: Syndicate's July 18 resolution quashed for Physics/Botany; February 29 selects reinstated in July 18 Tables A/C. DMU must appoint petitioners forthwith; re-interview newcomers rank below. WP(C) 728/2024 infructuous; 580/2025 dismissed.

This shields completed processes from post-hoc meddling, signaling universities must respect internal statutes over executive fiat—potentially easing Manipur's academic staffing woes while curbing arbitrary resets.