Magadh University gets new acting VC as Bihar governor removes Shashi Pratap Shahi

The Bihar Governor’s Secretariat has removed Magadh University’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shashi Pratap Shahi, with immediate effect and handed over the charge to the university’s senior-most professor, Dilip Kumar Kesari.

In a notification issued by Lok Bhawan on May 20, the Governor-cum-Chancellor directed Dilip Kumar Kesari, a senior professor at Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, to take charge as Vice-Chancellor with immediate effect until further orders or until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

The order was issued under Section 13(2) of the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976 (as amended), and based on a Supreme Court order dated April 16, 2013, in SLP (Civil) No. 12409/2013.

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Acting VC barred from policy decisions

According to the notification, Kesari has been told not to take any policy decisions without the prior approval of the Chancellor. The Governor’s Secretariat also said that earlier orders issued in 2020 and 2026 about taking approval before policy decisions will continue to apply.

“Dilip Kumar Kesari, the senior-most professor of Magadh University, has been directed to perform the duties of the office of the Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, with immediate effect till further orders or till the appointment of a regular VC,” the notification said.

The notification further said that Shashi Pratap Shahi, who was given the acting charge of Vice-Chancellor through a notification dated February 10, 2026, has been removed from all responsibilities with immediate effect.