IMPHAL, Oct 11 - In a move to restore normalcy in the crisis-ridden Manipur University, the Manipur High Court today appointed former State Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh as the Administrator of the university to discharge the functions of the Vice Chancellor.
A division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh Nobin Singh passed a ruling based on two PILs and a petition, according to legal sources here.
Jarnail Singh, who had also served as a Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister, is fully authorised to choose and appoint any competent person as the Registrar in-charge of the university. He will be at liberty to appoint any other person(s), the sources added.
The Court-appointed Administrator is also fully empowered to pass and/or revoke any order(s) by engaging in constant dialogue and interactions with all the stakeholders so long it is not contrary to any order of the court. He may also seek the assistance of the State and the Union Government in this regard.
During the period and so long as the Administrator is functioning, the appointment of K Yugindro as Pro Vice Chancellor and the appointment of W Vishwanath to look after the office of the Vice Chancellor will remain suspended, the sources pointed out.
Similarly, the appointments of M Shyamkesho and Sh Dorendrajit as Registrars in-charge will also remain suspended.
On the other hand, any person who may interfere or cause obstruction to the functioning of the Administrator may be liable for punishment under the Contempt of Courts Act 1971.
On Wednesday, a fresh confrontation between the agitating students and police broke out inside the university campus after the students tried to storm the administrative block, demanding immediate release of arrested teachers, students and staff of the varsity.
