File Photo: St Stephen's College in New Delhi
A group of St Stephen's alumni has raised questions over Dr Valson Thampu's appointment as the college's principal and sought the DU Vice Chancellor's intervention in the matter.
The Association of Old Stephanians, a body of the college's alumni members which is not officially recognised by the institution, claimed in a statement today that Dr Thampu's appointment was "illegal", to which Delhi University officials responded by saying that the issue has been already "settled with the intervention of High Court".
The group has claimed that Dr Thampu holds a Ph.D degree in Theology and his appointment is illegal as, according to the varsity ordinances, a college principal must hold a doctorate in a subject which is taught at the particular college.
"We draw attention of DU VC Dinesh Singh to the issue of appointment of Thampu as principal of St Stephen's college, and the issue of him not possessing an appropriate degree (a Ph.D in a subject taught at the college), without which his appointment becomes illegal," the association said.
"The minimum qualifications and experience prescribed by UGC regulations and adopted by the (DU) under Ordinance XXIV, amongst others, require that incumbents shortlisted for the post of principal should possess a Ph.D in a subject that is a subject taught in the College," it said.
"It is a cause for great concern... how this appointment was therefore made in the first place and then allowed by both DU and UGC," the statement added.
Dr Thampu was appointed St Stephen's principal on September 12, 2008. Former vice-principal of the college, MS Frank, had in 2009 challenged his appointment in Delhi High Court on grounds similar to those raised by the alumni group.
The court had upheld his appointment saying it would not interfere with the decision taken by the experts who had selected Dr Thampu, observing that he has the essential qualification.
"The writ petition does not want any interference. The decision taken by the experts, namely UGC and DU, to the effect that Valson Thampu possesses essential qualification for the post of principal of St Stephen's College is a decision which... ought to be left to experts rather than courts," the court had said.
The alumni group has, however, said that it will seek a thorough probe into the issue and demanded that the DU VC take appropriate investigative and remedial measures under the relevant rules and law.
"We are requesting that immediate action be taken on this issue... The continuation of Thampu as principal is clearly illegal, and action to remove him and restore the rule of law in this prestigious university is therefore the only reasonable and legal solution," it said.
Meanwhile, when contacted, a senior varsity official said, "The decision (to appoint Thampu) was taken under the previous Vice Chancellor and the matter was settled with the intervention of high court. Hence, demand of any further probe or varsity's intervention into the issue now is infructuous."