Bangalore University is poised for yet another change of guard at the top with the Karnataka High Court quashing the appointment of Registrar (Administration) B.C. Mylarappa. But the man in question does not appear to be inclined to take things lying down.
“I will appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court,” Prof. Mylarappa told The Hindu after getting to know about the court directions asking him to vacate office immediately on Wednesday.
“I will abide by the order and not come to office tomorrow (Thursday). I will, however, continue teaching.”
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Asked if things will change at the university with his departure, he said: “No, the university is not dependent on any individual.”
Scathing verdict
In a scathing verdict, a Division Bench comprising Justice N. Kumar and Justice V. Suri Appa Rao issued the directions while allowing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition complaining that Prof. Mylarappa was not a suitable candidate for the post.
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Acting Vice-Chancellor N. Rangaswamy, who returned from New Delhi Wednesday afternoon, said the appointment of a Registrar was the government’s prerogative. “But the university can send a panel with recommendations.”
Measures will be taken as early as possible to fill the post. “Administration will collapse without an officer (Registrar-Administration). We don’t know how long it will take. It’s important that the right person gets the job,” he said.
Suitable officer’
According to the Karnataka State Universities Act 2000, in case of temporary absence of the Registrar, the Chancellor (Governor H.R. Bhardwaj) can authorise “a suitable officer of the university to perform the duties of the Registrar”.
The Syndicate meeting, scheduled to be held on Thursday, will go ahead, Bangalore university sources said.