Himachal high court quashes VC appointment rules, orders fresh selections under UGC norms

The Himachal High Court has struck down the appointment rules for vice‑chancellors in Himachal Pradesh’s agriculture, horticulture and forestry universities, declaring them unconstitutional.

The court said the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the rules framed under it in 2026, directly conflict with the mandatory University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018. Those regulations set the framework for how vice‑chancellors are selected across all Indian universities, and the state‑specific rules attempted to override that framework.

By voiding the amendment and its rules, the court has restored the UGC‑based process. Fresh selections for the vacant vice‑chancellor positions must now be conducted in accordance with the UGC norms, which stipulate criteria such as academic credentials, administrative experience and a transparent appointment procedure.

The decision underscores the supremacy of the UGC regulations in higher education governance. While the amendment was introduced to streamline the selection process, the court found that it undermined the independent and merit‑based system that the UGC has established.

The UGC Regulations, 2018, set out clear criteria for vice‑chancellor appointments, requiring candidates to possess advanced academic qualifications, substantial teaching or administrative experience, and to undergo a transparent selection process overseen by a search committee.

Under the UGC framework, the Governor, after consulting the commission, makes the final appointment, ensuring that the process remains independent of political influence.

The Himachal High Court’s decision therefore restores the statutory procedure, compelling the state universities to initiate a fresh selection that conforms to these norms, rather than relying on the now‑void state rules.

This judgment comes amid broader discussions about the autonomy of state universities and the role of central regulatory bodies in maintaining standards across the higher education sector.

The fresh selection process will require the universities to publish advertisements, shortlist candidates, and obtain the Governor’s assent after the UGC’s recommendation, following the timeline laid out in the regulations.

The ruling underscores the importance of adhering to established educational standards to maintain public trust in higher education institutions.

The Himachal High Court’s order is a clear reminder that the rule of law governs educational leadership appointments. By nullifying the state‑specific rules, the court aims to ensure that vice‑chancellors are chosen on merit, adhering to the standards set by the UGC, thereby safeguarding the quality of higher education in the region.

Source: Hindustan Times