The Allahabad High Court has issued a notice to the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and others, demanding a response within four weeks over a petition challenging the selection process of VC Naima Khatoon. The petition was filed by Professor M.U. Rabbani, amid ongoing concerns regarding alleged procedural irregularities in her appointment.
Justice Prakash Padia issued the order while hearing Rabbani’s petition, noting previous allegations of rule violations in the selection process. Similar petitions had been filed previously, including by Syed Afzal Murtaza Rizvi of Jamia Millia Islamia and Professor Mujahid Beg of AMU, all raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
The VC selection panel included Professors M.U. Rabbani, Faizan Mustafa, and Naima Khatoon. However, objections were raised regarding Khatoon’s candidacy, particularly as her husband, Professor Gulrez, was serving as acting Vice Chancellor during her selection, and his vote in the process was also contested. Despite these controversies, Professor Naima Khatoon ultimately became the first woman Vice Chancellor of AMU, although the appointment remains the subject of legal scrutiny in the High Court.
