Chandigarh, March 13, 2025: Allegations of procedural violations have surfaced in the appointment of the new officiating principal at DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh. Dr. Jyotirmaya Khatri, who was serving as the officiating principal, resigned from his position today for undisclosed reasons. In accordance with the Panjab University Calendar, the charge was handed over to Ms. Mona Narang, Associate Professor in the Mathematics Department, as the senior most faculty member.
However, RTI activist Dr. Rajinder K. Singla has strongly opposed the manner in which the transition was conducted, calling it a direct violation of university regulations. In his formal complaint to the Secretary of Education (UT Chandigarh), the Director of Higher Education, the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, and the Dean of the College Development Council, he has highlighted what he claims is a blatant breach of due process.
According to Dr. Singla, only the College Governing Body, as per the Panjab University Calendar, has the legal authority to appoint or remove a principal in private-aided colleges under UT Chandigarh. Yet, the resignation of Dr. Khatri was reportedly accepted, and a new officiating principal appointed, without the Governing Body’s involvement—a move he has labeled as unauthorized and unlawful.
“This is not the first time such irregularities have taken place. Since the statutory powers of the DAV College Governing Body were unlawfully usurped by the non-statutory DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, there have been repeated violations of established norms,” said Dr. Singla.
He warned that such arbitrary decision-making could set a dangerous precedent for the governance of private-aided institutions and urged the Chandigarh Administration and Panjab University to take swift action.
To support his claims, Dr. Singla has submitted crucial documents, including Dr. Khatri’s resignation letter, the unauthorized acceptance letter, and photographic evidence of the transition of charge.
“Will the authorities allow such lawlessness in private-aided institutions under their jurisdiction?” he questioned, demanding immediate intervention.
With the controversy gaining momentum, the academic community awaits the response of Panjab University and the Chandigarh Administration to this alleged breach of protocol.
