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Synopsis

The Madras High Court on Tuesday expressed its concern regarding the substantial number of unfilled teaching positions at Anna University, even after a court order was issued three years ago.

A division bench consisting of Justices R Suresh Kumar and K Kumaresh Babu directed the registrar of Anna University to provide an explanation within a two-day timeframe or appear before the court on October 5, 2023.

The court's decision stems from a series of petitions filed by temporary teachers who are seeking regularization of their positions.

The bench took note of a status report submitted by the university, revealing that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) mandates a total of 1,745 teaching faculty positions, encompassing assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. However, Anna University has only sanctioned 981 of these positions, with a current working strength of 556 faculty members.

Therefore, according to the AICTE norms, there is a lack of faculties to the extent of 1189 in these three categories and according to the sanctioned strength, there are 425 teaching faculties vacant in Anna University, court noted.

The division bench expressed its astonishment at the significant number of vacancies and questioned how both the university and its constituent colleges operate under such circumstances. Notably, this situation has persisted despite the engagement of 372 temporary teaching fellows between 2010 and 2015.

Court referred to a prior order issued by a single judge on November 9, 2020, directing the university to appoint permanent faculty members and highlighted that it was the submission of the standing counsel for the university that in order to consider the same and to go ahead with the permanent appointments, the university had its Syndicate meeting on September 2, 2023. 

"Between 09.11.2020 and 02.09.2023, why the University delayed for three years to have even a Syndicate meeting to take stock of the situation is also not known," court stressed. 

Court demanded an explanation for the undue delay.

"Giving detailed reply to all these queries in our earlier order dated 15.09.2023 as well as the present query raised herein as to how this University is functioning with a lack of sanctioned vacancies of 425 for all these years and 1189 as per the AICTE prescription, also has to be explained," court ordered. 

Accordingly, while directing the Registrar, Anna University to file an affidavit explaining these aspects or be present in person, court posted the matter for further hearing on October 5, 2023. 

Case Title: R.RAMANATHAN VS THE REGISTRAR AND ANOTHER with Connected matters