HC notice to Centre, Bathinda varsity on registrar's appointment

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notice to the Government of India and the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, on a petition challenging the appointment of Vijay Sharma on the post of registrar.

The respondents have been directed by the high court to file a reply within six weeks. University's Controller of Examination Balwinder Pal Garg, in his petition, has alleged Vijay Sharma does not have the required qualification of 15 years of administrative experience, including eight years as deputy registrar or an equivalent post. He added that Sharma was not entitled either to be appointed or continue as the registrar.

Garg said he had on an earlier occasion approached the high court challenging the appointment of Sharma. The high court, in its order dated May 29, 2025, directed the respondents to consider his legal notice dated April 25 and pass a speaking order within a period of two months.

He said though the university passed a speaking order dated September 17, 2025, it was more of an exercise to hide the ineligibility of Sharma for the said post.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Sandeep Moudgil issued the notice to the respondents and directed them to file their reply within six weeks. The case was adjourned to December 18.