The Allahabad High Court has confirmed the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), stating that her selection was not influenced by bias or manipulation.
The Division Bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh emphasized the significance of her appointment:
“In the history of the University for well over a century, no woman has ever been appointed as Vice-Chancellor. Appointment of a woman as Vice-Chancellor of a premier institution of higher learning sends a message that the constitutional objective of advancement of cause of women is being promoted.”
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Petitions had challenged her appointment, citing the participation of her husband, Professor Mohd. Gulrez, in the selection process while serving as the officiating Vice-Chancellor. However, the Court held that this did not invalidate the entire procedure. Still, it issued a strong directive:
“From henceforth, no spouse or close family member shall preside or participate in any crucial meeting concerning his/her relative.”
The Court reviewed the selection process thoroughly. It found that 33 candidates had applied, of which 20 were shortlisted. A secret ballot was held, and the top three — Professor Faizan Mustafa, Professor Naima Khatoon, and Professor Qayyum Husain — were selected. Later, two more names were added. The University Court forwarded three final names, including Prof. Khatoon, to the Visitor for the final decision.
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Importantly, Prof. Naima Khatoon did not participate in the selection meetings as she was a candidate, maintaining the fairness of the process. The Court examined all records and noted no procedural violations or manipulation.
“It was desirable that Professor Gulrez had abstained from presiding over crucial meetings. Fairness would have been better reflected. However, his participation does not invalidate the process.”
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The Court further stated that while Professor Gulrez was part of the recommending body, the final authority rested with the Visitor, who was free to accept or reject any recommendations.
“The Visitor under the Statute is not obligated to accept the recommendation and may call for a fresh list. At this level, no bias or irregularity was shown. Thus, the selection cannot be questioned.”
The Court also referred to Chapter II, Clause 27 of the University rules, which says a person affected personally by a matter cannot vote on it. While Professor Gulrez should not have chaired the meetings, the overall process involved multiple members, secret ballots, and was transparent.
In conclusion, the Court ruled that Prof. Khatoon’s appointment was valid and not tainted merely due to her husband's role.
“The selection of Vice-Chancellor by the Visitor cannot be questioned. The process was not vitiated.”
