‘Last chance’: HC asks Maharashtra central university to act over MPhil, PhD admission irregularities

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has given a final chance to the vice-chancellor and acting registrar of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (MGAHV), a central university in Maharashtra, to act against the alleged irregularities in the MPhil and PhD admissions in 2019 academic session. The court has directed the VC to file an affidavit about the university's plan of action by July 14.

This comes as the last chance to the VC Sharma and registrar Anand Patil to take action on the irregularities in the admission process. An investigation report from October 2019 revealed that the selection process lacked transparency, and there were instances of manipulation and discrimination. But even after several years, no action has been taken against the culprits.

Despite the ongoing court case, further allegations of scam surfaced in the year 2022, which led to complete ban on PhD admissions in the university. As accusations of heavy political pressure surfaced during the selection process, the admission process has not resumed till date. Students have alleged that the current VC is carrying forward the ‘controversial’ practices initiated by the former VC Rajneesh Shukla.

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Now, the HC has demanded an affidavit in which it should be made clear what action has been taken so far and what will be done next. Also, it should specify who will be responsible for monitoring this action. The court has clearly said that this is the final opportunity, and no further delay in accountability will be tolerated.

In the year 2019, eight candidates had filed a petition through advocate Nihal Singh Rathore against the rigging in MPhil, PhD admission, after which the High Court made serious comments on the inaction of the university administration.