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3mo ago

St Stephen's Installs Susan Elias as First Woman Principal Despite Delhi University Objection

The college says its minority-institution autonomy justifies the move while the dispute over selection committee rules is likely to be weighed by the UGC or the courts.

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Overview

  • Susan Elias assumed charge as principal on Monday and has been installed by St Stephen's College, making her the first woman to hold the post in the institution's 145-year history.
  • Delhi University has formally objected, saying the selection violated UGC regulations and has written to the UGC while warning it may pursue legal recourse if regulators do not act.
  • St Stephen's issued an official notice for a commissioning and installation service and is proceeding with the leadership transition despite DU's non-recognition of the appointment.
  • The procedural dispute centers on whether the college's selection committee included university- or UGC-nominated experts as required by UGC rules while the college invokes Article 30(1) minority protections to defend its process.
  • The case sits on top of a longer governance row between the college and DU — including DU's earlier non-recognition of John Varghese's second term, which is sub judice — and could set a precedent on how minority-institution autonomy and university oversight are balanced.