Madras HC Upholds Appointment of IIT Madras Director

The High Court of Madras has upheld the appointment of Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthy as the Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras). Justice M. Satyanarayana dismissed the petition filed by Dr. Muralidharan questioning the appointment of Dr. Ramamurthy. The judge further indicated that the appointment of Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthy as the Director of IIT Madras has been made in accordance with the norms of Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.

The court was of the opinion that the appointment committee must maintain more transparency while short-listing the members for the appointment of the director.

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The judge further mentioned that the institute received 64 applications for the post of director, out of which five members have been shortlisted. The appointment of Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthy as the Director of IIT Madras is fair. However, the HRD Ministry must have given a notice to the candidates regarding the process that was done for short listing the candidates.

Therefore, the court advised the HRD Ministry to make candidates or applicants aware of the shortlisting process to avoid favouritism and ensure transparency in the selection and appointment.

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However, Dr. Muralidharan claimed that Prakash Javadekar, took a unilateral decision, and the appointment of Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthy was made without the knowledge and decision of the Council. On the other hand, Mr. Vijay Naryanan submitted a report to the court which stated that the appointment was purely based on merit.

Mr. Namonarayan who appeared on behalf of HRD Ministry submitted the detailed procedure of selection process to the court.