HC steps in to restore normalcy in Manipur University; appoints Administrator

Stepping in to put an end to the Manipur University unrest, the High Court of Manipur today appointed former Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh as the administrator of the varsity.

Stepping in to put an end to the Manipur University unrest, the High Court of Manipur today appointed former Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh as the administrator of the varsity.

The court further directed that as long as the administrator is functioning, the appointment of K Yugindro Singh as the pro-vice chancellor shall remain suspended.

Before giving the direction, the court noted that it had given an anxious thought and consideration to the volatile and often violent situation continuing in Manipur University and considering the best interest of the students and the disturbing situation prevailing, it has reluctantly opted to intervene in the matter.

The court added that it has decided to appoint a neutral person in the form of former Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh as an administrator who is fully empowered to discharge the functions of the vice chancellor and his primary duty and responsibility would be to bring normalcy in Manipur University.

Significantly, the court gave Singh full authority to choose and appoint any competent person as in charge Registrar besides reserving the right to appoint any other person to aid him in discharging his responsibilities.

The court further directed that as long as the administrator is functioning, the appointment of K Yugindro Singh as Pro VC shall remain suspended. The appointments of Shyamkesho Singh as the Registrar shall also remain suspended.

Moreover, the order also said that it would also be ensured that the suspension of Prof AP Pandey is not revoked during the continuation of the office of the court appointed administrator.

Following this order, all authorities earlier functioning as Pro VC, VC-in-charge or registrars in charge shall immediately hand over the charge to the court appointed administrator.

The order comes a day after the university campus witnessed clashes between police and student protesters with the cops even resorting to blank firing and use of tear gas shells.

The police had confronted the protesters when they were heading towards Pro VC Yugindro Singh’s office in the university’s administrative block.

COMMENTS