CH News, BENGALURU
The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge seeking to remove Visvesvaraya Technological University Vice-Chancellor Dr. S. Vidyashankar, securing his continued tenure at the institution.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna delivered the verdict after reviewing a petition filed by Dr. Nageshwara Rao Tubati, a mechanical engineering department head. The petitioner had requested a writ of quo warranto to unseat the academic leader, arguing that his tenure extension violated established regulatory procedures.
Legal arguments centered on the extension process, with petitioners claiming that the absence of a search committee and University Grants Commission representatives rendered the renewal unlawful. They also raised concerns regarding pending criminal matters.
Representing the defense, counsel for the Vice-Chancellor maintained that the renewal fell entirely within the legal discretionary authority of the chancellor, pointing out that higher courts had previously upheld the official’s initial appointment.
The bench ruled that the chancellor holds the direct statutory authority to extend terms of service without initiating a brand-new selection process or forming another search committee. The court emphasized that the petitioners failed to provide concrete evidence showing any constitutional or legal violations regarding the extension.
Furthermore, the judiciary noted that earlier challenges against the official’s appointment had already been rejected by both the High Court and the Supreme Court. The bench observed that judicial orders cannot rely on speculation or unverified claims.
Background details show that the academic leader originally assumed office for a three-year term in September 2022. The chancellor later extended his tenure by another three years under the state university act, taking effect in September 2025.
Legal proceedings also touched upon separate allegations involving the petitioner facing a filed charge sheet related to extortion claims. With the dismissal of the current petition, the administrative leadership of the technological university remains completely stable. University representatives welcomed the ruling, allowing administration officials to move forward with ongoing academic programs without further legal interruptions.
