President suspends Delhi University Vice-Chancellor over "misconduct"

University of Delhi Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi has been suspended by President Ram Nath Kovind  after the former was caught in a controversy over appointments that resulted in an ugly power tussle.

The Union Education Ministry said on Wednesday that it had approached the President of India seeking an inquiry against V-C Tyagi after a dispute broke out over appointments to the university last week. The President gave permission for an inquiry against the V-C, who is accused of “misconduct” and “dereliction of duty” by the Union Education Ministry.

Professor PC Joshi will take over as vice chancellor for now.

President Ram Nath Kovind in his capacity as Visitor of the Delhi University (DU) places Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Tyagi under suspension with immediate effect and orders enquiry into allegations of dereliction of duties against him. pic.twitter.com/Nj9GltxKc9

— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2020

“The President of India in his capacity as Visitor of the University, on consideration of facts and material available on record, has ordered to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of dereliction of duties and lack of commitment and devotion to duty against him,” a government statement said.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor was suspended pending completion of inquiry to make sure he does not influence the investigation.

Tyagi has been on leave since July 2 when he was admitted to Delhi’s AIIMS hospital with an emergency medical condition. The government had made Professor PC Joshi the in charge on July 17, until Tyagi resumed office.

The problem started last week when Tyagi removed Joshi as pro-VC and appointed Geeta Bhatt, the director of the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board of the university, in his place.

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Meanwhile, a series of appointments by both Tyadi and Joshi led to clashes between the two. The education ministry got in the tussle siding with Joshi. The ministry said the appointments made by Tyagi were not “valid” as he is on leave.

PC Jha, an appointment made during the tussle by Tyagi, wrote to the ministry as an “acting registrar” and argued that all decisions taken by Tygai are in accordance with university norms. The ministry took objection to the letter and directed the university to take strict action against him.