Supreme Court Strikes PTU VC Search Clause, Lets Incumbent Serve Until Lawful Replacement

Overview

• The Court upheld the Madras High Court verdict declaring Section 14(5) of the PTU Act ultra vires the UGC Regulations, 2018.
• It held that UGC norms on the composition of Vice‑Chancellor search committees occupy the field under Entry 66 of the Union List and override conflicting state law.
• The selection of Dr. S. Mohan was found illegal because the committee lacked a UGC Chairman’s nominee and independence from the university, as required by Regulation 7.3.
• Invoking Article 142, the bench allowed Dr. Mohan to continue as Vice‑Chancellor until December 2026 or until a new appointment is made in accordance with law, and it said he may compete in any fresh process without prejudice.
• The Court said Article 254 repugnancy analysis was inapplicable and allowed the Puducherry legislature to amend the PTU Act to align with UGC rules, signaling implications for similar state statutes.