Naima Khatoon's AMU VC Role Affirms Constitutional Push For Women Advancement: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court has upheld the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. Notably, a petition was filed against Prof Khatoon’s appointment, as her husband was part of the panel recommending the names for appointment.
While hearing the matter, the court held that merely because her husband, Prof Mohd Gulrez, had presided over the meeting of the Executive Council and University Court, which had her name in the panel to be sent to the visitor, did not vitiate the selection proceedings.
The bench of Justice Ashwani Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh, while pronouncing the decision, took cognizance of the fact that in the history of the University for over a century, no woman has ever been appointed as VC. The upholding of Prof Khatoon’s position sends a message of the advancement of the constitutional objectives to promote women, the bench said.
However, the Court directed that from nowonwards, no spouse or close family member could preside and participate in any meeting concerning the appointment.
When Professor Tariq Mansoor, the Vice-Chancellor of AMU till 2022, was at his post for an extended one year, he appointed, Professor Mohd. Gulrez as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University. After the resignation of Professor Tariq Mansoor resigned, Professor Mohd. Gulrez was made the officiating Vice-Chancellor.
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During the tenure of Professor Mohd. Gulrez as the officiating VC, Professor Naima Khatoon, his wife, was chosen as the Vice Chancellor of AMU. The appointment of Prof Khatoon was challenged before the High Court on grounds of bias and manipulation as Professor Mohd. Gulrez, being the VC, participated in the proceedings for appointment of his wife as the VC.
