CHENNAI: Beyond its far-reaching constitutional implications, the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict on the powers and duties of governors is set to have an immediate and tangible impact in Tamil Nadu—particularly ending the long-standing stalemate over the appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs) in state universities.
Currently, nine of Tamil Nadu’s 22 state universities have been functioning without vice-chancellors for over two years, as Raj Bhavan had delayed action on several crucial bills. Among them is the Fisheries University Bill, passed during the AIADMK regime, which seeks to rename the institution after late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. That bill has been pending for more than four years.
The Supreme Court ruling now paves the way for the state government to move forward. The bills, which had been awaiting assent, are now deemed to have become law and will come into effect once the state government issues a notification. According to senior advocate and DMK MP P Wilson, “The governor will no longer have any role in the appointment of vice-chancellors to state universities. The state can now proceed with the constitution of search panels.”
Importantly, the new laws also give the state government authority to remove vice-chancellors on grounds such as willful omission, refusal to follow legal provisions, or abuse of power. Additionally, the nomination of members to university Senates, Syndicates, and Academic Councils will now be entirely under the control of the state government.
While the governor remains the titular chancellor of the universities, his powers have been significantly reduced, said senior advocate K M Vijayan. “This judgment reinforces the constitutional principle that a governor’s powers are limited. The role of chancellor is not a constitutional entitlement. The state legislature has full authority to enact laws on matters within its domain,” he said.
As of now, the following universities remain without vice-chancellors:
- Anna University
- Bharathiar University
- Bharathidasan University
- Madurai Kamaraj University
- Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University
- Annamalai University
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
- Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University
However, there might be a delay in constituting a search panel for the University of Madras, as amendments to the University of Madras Act (1923) require Presidential assent.
With the appointment powers now vested in the state, educationists have urged the government to exercise discretion and transparency while forming vice-chancellor search committees, emphasizing the need to prioritize academic merit and institutional integrity.
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