14 Tamil Nadu universities without VCs: Madras High Court seeks state govt report

The Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government to explain why 14 universities are without regular Vice-Chancellors. The case has raised questions over how key decisions are being taken while Registrars-in-charge and Convenor Committees run the institutions.

In Short

• Issue emerged during a petition over Madurai Kamaraj University's Registrar-in-charge post
• Justice B Pugalendhi asked the Higher Education Secretary for explanations
• University said S Muthaiah was temporary and met required qualifications

The Madras High Court has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on why nearly 14 universities in the state continue to function without Vice-Chancellors, after the issue came up during a case concerning a temporary Registrar at Madurai Kamaraj University.

Justice B Pugalendhi directed the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department to explain the reasons behind the vacancies and the steps being taken to fill the posts. The matter has been posted for further hearing after three weeks.

The issue surfaced during a petition filed by A Velanganni Joseph, who sought a writ of quo warranto questioning the continuation of S Muthaiah as Registrar In-charge of Madurai Kamaraj University.

FROM ONE REGISTRAR TO 14 V-C VACANCIES

The petitioner had challenged Muthaiah's appointment, claiming that he did not possess the required qualifications. However, the university told the court that Muthaiah was functioning only as a temporary Registrar In-charge and had the necessary qualifications.

The university also informed the court that the appointment process for a regular Registrar had already begun, with a notification issued on June 2, 2026.

While the court was not inclined to entertain the petition against Muthaiah, submissions from both sides brought a larger concern into focus.

Counsel informed the court that around 14 universities across Tamil Nadu currently do not have regular Vice-Chancellors.

UNIVERSITIES RUN WITHOUT REGULAR V-CS

The court was told that most of these universities are currently being managed by Registrars In-charge, while important decisions are being taken by Convenor Committees.

The court took note of the situation and sought a detailed response from the state government.

It also directed Additional Advocate General J Barathan to obtain instructions from the government on the reasons for the vacancies and the measures being taken to appoint regular Vice-Chancellors.

The absence of Vice-Chancellors has previously emerged as a wider concern in Tamil Nadu's public higher education system, with vacancies affecting universities that also function as affiliating institutions for colleges.

WHAT THE COURT WANTS TO KNOW

The state has now been asked to explain why the Vice-Chancellor posts remain vacant, how the universities are being administered in the meantime and what action is being taken to fill the positions.

The case will come up again after three weeks, when the government's response is expected to be placed before the court.

- Ends