Osmania University and the Left parties-supported candidate for Warangal Parliament seat by-election, Gali Vinod Kumar, are at loggerheads over the latter’s eligibility to contest in elections despite being on the varsity rolls.
Prof. Vinod Kumar, who is a professor at the PG College of Law, OU, has sought permission from the varsity to contest in the elections and also sought leave from October 28 to November 11. However, the varsity citing Rule 16 of the OU Conduct Rules has rejected his application.
Quoting rules, it further said that no teacher on rolls can either contest for Assembly or the Parliament on a party ticket. Teachers can only contest for the Teachers’ Constituency and if elected they can go on loss of pay for the entire period.
The university in its letter also explained that his request can be examined by the Executive Council following the norms of the Election Commission of India, University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Government of Telangana. Moreover, it also warned that he would be placed under suspension if the rules were not followed.
Leave application rejected
Prof. Vinod Kumar claimed that he had applied for leave in June and the varsity granted the same in September. But, in a separate letter on November 5, the varsity rejected his leave application and asked him not to leave headquarters, said Satyam Reddy Sarasani, senior advocate, who challenged the varsity’s decision in the High Court.
Mr. Reddy said Prof. Kumar filed his nomination as an independent candidate and the Court has categorically ruled that Prof. Kumar has every right to contest and campaign.
Government’s displeasure
Sources in the varsity said that the government expressed its displeasure on granting permission to Prof. Kumar, who has been critical of its policies.
This has forced the administration to issue fresh notice denying permission citing certain rules.
Varsity officials reminded that Prof. K. Nageshwar of the Communication and Journalism Department also contested from the Malkajgiri Parliamentary constituency in the last general elections quoting certain UGC guidelines.
A section of teachers, however, remind that Prof. Nageshwar was on leave technically, as he was still an MLC when the general elections were held.
Legal Correspondent adds: Justice P. Naveen Rao of the Hyderabad High Court on Monday granted permission to Prof. G. Vinod Kumar, an independent candidate in by-elections to Warangal Lok Sabha seat to contest election and also campaign.
The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by Vinod Kumar challenging the order passed by the Vice-Chancellor of the Osmania University. The petitioner told the court that the V-C told him in last week of September that the issue will be placed before the Executive Council as he is contesting as independent candidate only. He lamented that the refusal order was passed without placing the matter before the council. The judge passed interim orders in favour of the petitioner.
