Guwahati: The appointment of Professor Rajiv Mohan Pant as Vice-Chancellor of Assam University has been invalidated by the Gauhati High Court over concerns that he lacked the minimum professional experience required under University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.
In its October 14, 2026, order, the court instructed the competent authorities to complete a fresh selection and appointment exercise within four months from the date they receive a certified copy of the order. The judgment came in response to a quo warranto petition filed by Dr Sameera Behera, who challenged Pant’s eligibility for the position.
The court examined the eligibility conditions laid down in the UGC Regulations, 2018, and concluded that Pant did not fulfil the stipulated requirement of 10 years of experience under any of the prescribed categories. His professional record, including his service as a professor at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) and his tenure as director of the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), was considered during the assessment.
Apart from the experience requirement, the court identified deficiencies in the selection procedure. It observed that the Search-cum-Selection Committee had not maintained sufficient documentation explaining its evaluation of candidates’ eligibility, raising concerns about the process followed for the appointment.
The court has also addressed the university’s immediate administrative needs. Until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed through the fresh process, the authorities must place the institution’s responsibilities in the hands of a person who meets the applicable eligibility requirements and legal provisions.
Despite setting aside the appointment, the court made it clear that the salary and allowances already received by Pant during his tenure would not be recovered.
The ruling underscores the importance of complying with prescribed eligibility standards and maintaining proper records during senior academic appointments. Assam University’s authorities must now undertake a fresh selection process in accordance with the court’s directions and the applicable UGC regulations.
