Jaipur: Rajasthan high court has dismissed Professor Ramesh Chandra’s writ petition challenging his suspension and removal as vice-chancellor (VC) of Maharaja Surajmal Brij University (MSBU), Bharatpur. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the suspension and termination orders adversely affected the autonomy assigned to the university by the statute. However, the court said that autonomy does not imply absence of accountability and action taken in accordance with statutory mandate cannot be termed as interference with autonomy.Justice Anand Sharma held that the suspension order dated March 28, 2025, was within the chancellor’s statutory competence under Section 11A of the MSBU Act, 2012, and was issued after consultation with the state govt. The court further held that the removal order dated Nov 11, 2025, followed a due inquiry, afforded Chandra an opportunity to respond and a personal hearing, and complied with principles of natural justice. Finding no illegality, perversity, or procedural violation warranting interference, the court declined to exercise jurisdiction under Article 226 and dismissed the petition.Chandra had sought a declaration that Section 11A(1) of the MSBU Act was vague, arbitrary, and conferring unguided power on the chancellor, allegedly violating Article 14 of the Constitution. He also sought quashing of the suspension and termination orders, reinstatement with consequential benefits, and contended that the action was contrary to statutory procedure, violative of natural justice, and infringed Articles 14 and 21.The State, through advocate general Rajendra Prasad, opposed the petition, stating Chandra was appointed on March 8, 2023, and multiple complaints alleged financial irregularities and abuse of office. A preliminary inquiry by the divisional commissioner reported on March 5, 2025, that allegations had prima facie substance, leading to suspension. A four-member committee’s inquiry report dated June 11, 2025, found allegations prima facie proved, including misuse of funds, irregular and excess payments, disobedience of government directions, favouritism in work allocation, and violations of procurement transparency norms.
HC junks former VC’s plea against removal | Jaipur News
