Pioneer In Short
JNU hiring row puts VC under lens
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) and teachers’ association (JNUTA) have demanded the removal of Vice Chancellor (VC) Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions. The demands followed media reports on JNU’s recruitment process. JNUTA, citing RTI responses, official records and Executive Council dissent notes, alleged that at least seven faculty appointments violated UGC norms. It claimed candidates rejected by screening committees were later reinstated on final shortlists by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), without approval or recorded reasons. The teachers’ body also alleged excessive concentration of powers in the VC’s office and said statutory bodies were being reduced to formalities.
It sought an inquiry into faculty recruitment, Career Advancement Scheme promotions, IQAC functioning and alteration of screening outcomes, besides preservation and independent audit of recruitment records since February 2022. JNUSU demanded a court-monitored inquiry into faculty recruitment during Pandit’s tenure, public disclosure of recruitment records and action against officials found responsible for violations. Both bodies have urged the Education Ministry, UGC and Visitor to intervene. There was no immediate response from the university administration.
BCI Reverses NALSAR Enrolment Ban
The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday withdrew, within hours, its direction to State bar councils to withhold enrolment of 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law as advocates, following an uproar on social media. The initial order came amid an inquiry into allegations surrounding a campaign by some students opposing the proposed invitation of CJI Surya Kant as chief guest at the university's convocation. BCI chairman and BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra said the council had sought a report identifying those responsible and would take a final decision on August 19. The revised order said the "vast majority" of students were innocent and should not suffer for the alleged misconduct of a few. The Supreme Court Bar Association president Vikas Singh criticised the original directive as "illegal" and "disproportionate", saying it sought to intimidate law students.
