Tamil Nadu: Madras HC seeks report on 14 universities functioning without regular VCs

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to explain why nearly 14 universities in the state are functioning without regular Vice-Chancellors and detail the measures being taken to fill the vacant posts.

Justice B Pugalendhi asked the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department to submit information on the vacancies and the steps being taken to appoint regular Vice-Chancellors. The case has been listed for further hearing after three weeks.

The issue arose during a petition filed by A Velanganni Joseph challenging the continuation of S Muthaiah as Registrar In-charge of Madurai Kamaraj University through a writ of quo warranto.

Joseph had questioned Muthaiah's appointment, alleging that he did not meet the required qualifications. The university, however, told the court that Muthaiah was serving only as a temporary Registrar In-charge and was qualified for the position.

The university also informed the court that the process to appoint a regular Registrar was already underway, with a notification issued on June 2, 2026.

While the court was not inclined to proceed with the challenge against Muthaiah, submissions during the hearing drew attention to the wider issue of Vice-Chancellor vacancies across the state.

The court was informed that around 14 universities in Tamil Nadu currently do not have regular Vice-Chancellors. Most of these institutions are reportedly being administered by Registrars In-charge, while Convenor Committees are handling key decisions.

Taking note of the situation, the court directed Additional Advocate General J Barathan to obtain instructions from the state government regarding the reasons for the vacancies and the action being taken to appoint regular Vice-Chancellors.

The court has asked the government to clarify how the affected universities are being administered in the absence of regular Vice-Chancellors and what steps are underway to fill the positions.

The vacancies are significant for Tamil Nadu's public higher education system, particularly because several state universities also serve as affiliating institutions for colleges.

The government's response is expected to be placed before the court when the matter comes up for hearing again after three weeks.