Supreme Court seeks reply from Bengal Governor's office, matter related to University Bill
Supreme Court: The apex court was hearing the appeal filed by Sayan Mukherjee against the order of the Calcutta High Court. The High Court put on hold its earlier directions seeking a response from the Governor on the issue and said it would examine whether the petition was maintainable or not.
The Supreme Court, hearing on Monday a petition alleging inaction in approving the West Bengal University (Amendment) Bill 2022, has sought a response from the office of West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose. The West Bengal Assembly passed a bill in 2022 to give the post of Chancellor of all state-run universities to the Chief Minister instead of the Governor.
A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala issued notice to the Governor and the Principal Secretary to the Central Government, seeking their reply within four weeks. The bench said, "Issue notice, give freedom to the central agency to provide service."
The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Sayan Mukherjee against the order of the Calcutta High Court. The High Court put on hold its earlier directions seeking a response from the Governor on the issue and said it would examine whether the petition was maintainable or not.
The West Bengal Governor was initially requested to submit an affidavit on the PIL contesting his purported inaction by the High Court on September 12 of last year.
As per the High Court petition, while the Governor has been deliberating over the West Bengal University (Amendment) Bill 2022 since 2022, he has been appointing Vice Chancellors (VCs) in his capacity as Chancellor of the state universities.
According to Articles 212 and 361 of the Constitution, the Governor is not required to respond to questions in this case, the Central Government had stated before the High Court. At this time, it was also asserted that the PIL is incorrect and has political motivations.
