DU objects to St Stephen’s Principal appointment, cites UGC norm violations

The University of Delhi has raised objections to the appointment process for the new principal of St. Stephen’s College, alleging that the selection committee was not constituted in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018. The development comes days after St. Stephen’s College announced the appointment of Professor Susan Elias as principal, who is set to take charge from June 1. College Chairman Reverend Paul Swarup had earlier shared that Elias would become the institution’s 15th principal since its establishment and its first woman principal.

In an official letter dated May 14, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Body of St. Stephen’s College, the university referred to media reports regarding the appointment of the new principal. It also cited provisions under the UGC Regulations related to the appointment of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges.

Also read Another IIT, 5 DU colleges to launch ITEP courses in 2026 even as seats go vacant in top institutes

DU highlighted that the regulations clearly define the composition of the selection committee for appointing a college principal, including the requirement of nominees from the Vice-Chancellor and subject experts approved by the relevant statutory body. The letter claims that the university was not approached for the nomination of experts, as required under the UGC norms.

“In view of the above, it appears that the Selection Committee for the appointment of the new principal in the college has not been constituted in accordance with the provisions of the UGC Regulations, 2018,” the letter stated.

However, as per Clause 4 of college constitution, the Supreme Council of the College shall appoint, after proper advertisement, the Principal of the College, who shall be a member of the Church of North India or of a church in communion with it.

Also, the principal shall not be eligible for membership of the Governing Body of any other college of the University.

Also read DU: Rusticated student from SBSC Delhi returns with group, creates commotion at campus

Selection committee meeting

The University of Delhi further said that recommendations made by such a committee “cannot be implemented” and requested the college not to proceed with the appointment process. In the letter, DU has also demanded a meeting of the selection committee constituted as per the UGC Regulations, 2018.

The newly appointed principal, Elias, is a computer science engineer by training. She succeeds former principal John Varghese, whose tenure saw repeated disagreements between the college administration and the University of Delhi. She holds a BTech from the University of Madras, and a master’s degree, and a PhD from Anna University. She has also been a post-doctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

Over her academic career, Elias has served at institutions including Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Hindustan University, and most recently as Pro-Vice Chancellor at Chandigarh University’s Uttar Pradesh campus.