HC go-ahead for Thampu as Stephen’s principal

The high court on Tuesday gave its stamp of approval to the appointment of Valson Thampu as the principal of St Stephen’s College.

The high court on Tuesday gave its stamp of approval to the appointment of Valson Thampu as the principal of St Stephen’s College.

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The court dismissed a petition filed in 2009 by vice-principal MS Frank, alleging that Thampu was not qualified to become a principal.

Basing his petition on RTI replies, Frank had contended that Thampu did not hold a valid PhD and had not cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET), which was mandatory for the post of principal. Frank had also accused Thampu of “covering up” many facts while applying for the principal’s post.

“The issue stands concluded by clarification given by the UGC that the PhD awarded by the Allahabad University to Thampu is valid,” said justice Siddharth Mridul.

Frank contended that only teachers who had a PhD completed by 2002 or an M.Phil completed by 1993 in the “concerned subject” are exempted from NET. He said Thampu only had a PhD in theology which was not taught at St. Stephen's.

But the court upheld Thampu’s contention, saying that the issue of his qualification had been considered earlier by UGC and DU. Both concluded that he fulfilled qualifications laid down in the University Ordinance.