Relief for Priya Varghese; HC upholds appointment, single bench order cancelled

KOCHI: A relief for Priya Varghese, wife of K K Ragesh, chief minister’s private secretary, in the appointment of associate professor in the Kannur University. The division bench of the high court quashed the single bench order that Priya Varghese did not have the necessary teaching experience. The case was considered by a bench including Justices Jayasankaran Nambiar and Muhammed Niyas.

Responding to the media, Priya said that as a person she had to face a lot of problems and is very happy to get such a verdict at the end. Happy to have obtained justice. It should be verified whether work in the National Service Scheme is not part of teaching. It is part of the curriculum as per the new UGC Act. Priya also asked whether university officials other than a teacher could supervise it.

The high court had earlier annulled her associate professor appointment in Kannur University. The court pointed out that Priya Varghese is not qualified to be appointed as an associate professor. The court also clarified that her work in NSS is not teaching experience and research period cannot be considered as teaching experience. The court also accepted the demand to restructure the rank list.

The crucial verdict of the high court was on the plea filed by Joseph Skaria, the second rank holder, stating that the appointment of Priya Varghese did not follow the UGC norms. He approached the court pointing out that Priya Varghese did not have the minimum qualification of eight years of teaching experience to apply for the post of associate professor.