DU-St Stephen's Row: Fresh exam roster includes newly recruited teachers despite HC stay order

NEW DELHI: As the tussle between DU and St Stephen's College intensifies, with disagreements continuing on several administrative fronts, a fresh examination invigilation roster includes newly recruited teachers despite a university probe and a stay order on the recruitment process, an official said.

A Delhi High Court order dated May 13 directed the college to halt recruitment pursuant to the recommendations of the selection committee after four assistant professors of St Stephen's College approached the court seeking regularisation of their services at the college, where they have been working on an ad-hoc or guest basis since 2018-2021.

"Having regard to the aforesaid circumstances, this Court is of the view that the Petitioners have made out a prima facie case for grant of interim protection. Accordingly, it is directed that the services of the Petitioners with Respondent College shall not be discontinued till the next date of hearing.

It is further directed that the report/recommendations of the Selection Committee pursuant to Advertisement No. SSC/04(4)/TS/2025 (for recruitment) shall not be implemented without leave of this Court," the order mentioned.

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Four college professors sought relief

The four college professors also sought consequential reliefs, including regularisation from their initial dates of appointment, continuity of service, pay fixation, seniority and other benefits available to regular employees, besides interim protection against termination or displacement during the pendency of the case.

On Saturday, a college official told PTI on condition of anonymity, "A fresh examination roster was sent to professors on Friday. The roster included the names of some newly recruited teachers as well."

"While a previous roster issued on May 15 also had new names, this subsequent roster has several additional names. The appointment letters were sent out on May 11 but following the court order, there is some ambiguity regarding the teachers joining," the official added.

St Stephen's College: Exam roster

The examination roster for May 28-31, as seen by PTI, has been signed by the superintendent, superintendent of examinations and deputy superintendent of examinations on Thursday, along with John Varghese, whose signature continues to appear as principal of the college .

Meanwhile, the website of St Stephen's College now lists Varghese as a faculty member in the English department, while the principal's page remains blank.

To be sure, ambiguity surrounding who will be the principal of the college continues, as Susan Elias's appointment as the next principal was contested by the Delhi University (DU), which cited violations of UGC regulations . Elias is expected to assume charge as principal from June 1. No immediate response was available from John Varghese.