Justice B Pugalendhi directed the State to file a report. The court called for a report on being informed that most of the Universities in the State were now being administered by Registrars In-Charge and the decisions were being taken by the Convenor Committee.

“Considering the submissions made across the Bar that there have been no Vice-Chancellors in almost 14 Universities for several years, this Court expects a report on this from the first respondent/Secretary to Government. This Court also directs the learned Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the first respondent regarding the reasons for not filling up the posts of Vice-Chancellors and the steps taken by the present administration to fill up the posts,” the court said.

The court was hearing a plea questioning the authority with which Dr S Muthaiah continued to hold the post of Registrar in the Madurai Kamaraj University.

The petitioner, A Velanganni Joseph, had approached the court by way of a writ of quo warranto to show cause, under what authority Dr Muthaiah continued to hold the post. He contended that Dr Muthiah did not possess the required qualification.

The University, however, informed the court that Dr Muthiah was only acting as Registrar In-Charge on a temporary basis and he possessed all the required qualifications. It was submitted that he was appointed by a competent authority.

The University also informed the court that a notification had been issued for the appointment of a regular Registrar on June 2, 2026 and the last date for submitting the application was fixed on July 8, 2026. It was submitted that applications had been received and the process was underway.

Considering the submission, the court was not inclined to entertain the plea. However, noting the vacancy in the post of Vice Chancellor in 14 Universities in the State, the court called for an explanation.

It may be noted that a plea seeking directions to the University Grants Commission to appoint Vice Chancellors in government-run universities in the state of Tamil Nadu is pending consideration before the court.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. V. R. Kamalanathan for Mr. P. Baburaj

Counsel for Respondents: Mr. J. Barathan Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr. C. Jeganathan Special Government Pleader, Mr. Isaac Mohan Lal Senior Counsel for Mr. R. Ragatheeshkumar

Case Title: A. Velanganni Joseph v The Principal Secretary to Government and Others

Case No: WP(MD) No 23417 of 2026