New Delhi: The Supreme Court has declined to interfere in a petition challenging the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.
A Bench led by Justice J.K. Maheshwari said it was not inclined to hear the plea that questioned the fairness of the selection process. The petitioners, Professors Muzaffar Uruj Rabbani and Faizan Mustafa, argued that Professor Khatoon’s appointment was flawed because her husband, Professor Mohd. Gulrez, was officiating as Vice-Chancellor at the time and took part in the Executive Council meeting where her name was suggested for approval.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier ruled that there was no irregularity in the process, upholding her appointment. The Supreme Court’s decision confirms that position.
The case had initially been listed before a Bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. It was later shifted after Justice Vinod Chandran, who was part of the earlier Bench, recused from hearing it.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Nizam Pasha, representing the petitioners, maintained that Professor Khatoon should not have been in consideration while her husband was part of the decision-making body. In response, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, defended the appointment. She said Professor Khatoon is a respected academician with a strong professional record and that the selection was valid.
Professor Khatoon’s appointment in April 2023 marked a historic moment for AMU, as she became the first woman to lead the university since its establishment in 1920.
