New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India witnessed a significant development in the ongoing legal challenge against the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University—the first woman ever to hold this position.
Justice K. Vinod Chandran recused himself from the case, citing a potential conflict of interest. The concern stemmed from his prior role as Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University in Patna, where he had recommended Professor Faizan Mustafa—one of the parties contesting the AMU appointment—for the VC position. Despite Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressing confidence in Justice Chandran’s impartiality, Chief Justice B. R. Gavai affirmed that the decision to withdraw rested solely with the judge. Justice Chandran accordingly stepped aside, prompting the constitution of a new bench to hear the matter afresh.
Central to the challenge is the participation of Professor Mohammad Gulrez—then acting VC of AMU and husband of Professor Khatoon—in the selection meetings of the Executive Council and University Court that recommended her candidacy. The Court remarked that although he should have recused himself, the selection process must not only be fair but appear to be so.
The Union Government defended the appointment as historic and procedurally valid. The Allahabad High Court had previously upheld her selection, noting that the Visitor—the President of India—had lawfully appointed her, and that her academic credentials were undisputed.
As the proceedings transition to a new bench, the case remains a pivotal intersection of fairness, transparency, and gender representation in higher education.
