NEW DELHI: The UGC informed the Supreme Court that Priya Varghese, who was appointed as an associate professor in Kannur University's Malayalam Department, has no real teaching experience. The affidavit also pointed out that teaching experience is not obtained by interpretation of research time.

The appointment is in violation of UGC rules. Priya Varghese does not have eight years of experience needed to become an associate professor. The UGC therefore sought quashing of the appointment and the order of the Kerala High Court approving it. UGC regulations are applicable to all universities. In case of inconsistency with state laws, UGC law shall prevail. The UGC rejected the arguments raised by the state government in this regard. The government and Kannur University had favoured Priya's appointment.

Priya informed the Supreme Court that her appointment was based on qualification and merit. Petitions filed by the UGC and Changanassery DB College Malayalam teacher Joseph Skaria against the appointment are before the court.