LEGAL
Lahore High Court Nullifies Governor’s Circular on Vice-Chancellor Appointments in Punjab Universities
The Lahore High Court has annulled a controversial circular issued by the Governor of Punjab concerning the appointment of vice-chancellors in public universities. Justice Abid Hussain Chatta delivered a detailed judgment on the applications filed by Dr. Shazia Arshad and others, declaring the governor's notification unlawful.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that each public sector university operates under its own legislation that governs the appointment of vice-chancellors and deans. The judgment highlighted that the governor overstepped his authority by unilaterally establishing a procedure for these appointments, which lacks any legal standing. The court reiterated that the existing acts of the universities should be the guiding framework for such appointments.
The petitioners argued that the Governor's circular was an infringement on the established processes outlined in each university's act, which clearly defines the criteria for appointing vice-chancellors and deans. The Lahore High Court responded by declaring the circular null and void, thus reinforcing the autonomy of universities in Punjab.
This ruling follows the Punjab government's appointment of vice-chancellors for seven universities on September 23, 2024, which sparked a conflict between Governor Sardar Salim Haider and the provincial government. The court's decision is expected to have significant implications for the governance of higher education institutions in the province.