Authority: High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh
Order Date: 06 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Balinder Singh, Assistant Professor (Scheduled Caste) in the Department of Social Work, employed for 14 years at Kurukshetra University.
- Respondents: Kurukshetra University (Respondent No.1), Vice‑Chancellor/competent authority (Respondent No.2), and Dr. Vanita Dhingra (Respondent No.3).
- Petition filed under Articles 226/227 seeking (i) certiorari to quash the order dated 17‑03‑2026 appointing Dr. Vanita Dhingra as Chairperson of the Social Work Department for a second term, and (ii) mandamus directing the university to appoint the petitioner as Chairperson.
- Petitioner argued that, under Statute 20(1)(d) of the Kurukshetra University Act and 1986 statutes, the senior‑most Assistant Professor with AGP ₹8,000 and at least nine years’ experience is eligible for the chairperson post. She was the senior‑most eligible professor, and the university’s Vice‑Chancellor had recommended her on 02‑03‑2026 and 12‑03‑2026.
- The university, however, appointed Dr. Vanita Dhingra on 17‑03‑2026 without providing a reason, allegedly violating Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.
- Petitioner submitted a representation on 17‑03‑2026 requesting reconsideration; the university had not acted on it.
Final Outcome
- The Court, noting the limited prayer, directed Respondent No.2/competent authority to consider the petitioner’s representation (Annexure P‑4) and pass a speaking (reasoned) order within three months of receiving a certified copy of the judgment, after affording the petitioner an opportunity to be heard.
- The Court ordered that the decision be communicated to the petitioner and, if she is found entitled, the relief sought shall be granted forthwith.
- All pending miscellaneous applications were disposed of.
Topics: Judicial Direction, University Appointment, Reservation Policy