St. Stephen’s College former principal back as English prof; against rules, say teachers, DU officials

In an unprecedented development, St.Stephen’s College, a constituent college of Delhi University has appointed its outgoing principal John Varghese as a professor in the department of English. Before being appointed principal, Varghese was a professor at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) Hyderabad.

A senior university official clarified that such reappointment is against the norm. The rule states that following the completion of deputation, the person has to return to the parent organisation. In Varghese’s case, that would be EFLU. This move seems to be another point of tussle between the university and the religious minority college.

Earlier, the university had raised objections to the appointment of 15th principal of the college. The university had stated that the recruitment rules were not followed.

Further, in the Delhi High Court the university had sided with the teachers who had moved court against their displacement, stating the college did not follow norms in recruitment. HC halted the recruitment process till the next hearing.

2 terms as principal of St. Stephen’s College

Varghese was appointed the 13th principal of the college in 2016 and was appointed for another term in 2021, to which the university had raised objections.

Before moving to St. Stephen’s, he was a professor and head of the department of media and communication at EFLU.

“Subsequently, after getting confirmed as principal, he resigned as professor at EFLU. There’s no question of his joining back as a professor in another college of a different university (DU). There’s no such post of professor in DU Colleges against which you can directly be appointed and that too, without facing a selection committee,” said a senior faculty member.

According to teachers along with it being a violation of university regulations, it is also against the college constitution.

Against the rules, says DU

A senior university official Academia360 spoke to said that this is against the rule.

“The Government of India rule states that on finishing the term one has to return to the parent organisation. In case of retirement, the person will be liable for pension from his former workplace. Even as per university rule, such appointments cannot take place,” said the official.

Last week, St. Stephen’s College announced the appointment of its 15th principal, Susan Elias, the first woman selected for the post.