Allahabad High Court Upholds Historic Appointment Of First Woman Vice-Chancellor Of AMU
Aligarh, May 18 (TNA) In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed all writ petitions challenging the appointment of Prof. Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), affirming the legality, fairness, and procedural propriety of her selection.
Prof. Khatoon, an accomplished academician and former Principal of AMU's Women's College, made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Vice-Chancellor in the University's over 100-year history. The Court lauded the significance of this appointment, stating that it represents a powerful step toward gender inclusion and the constitutional objective of women’s advancement in higher education leadership.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh carefully examined the entire selection process and held that the procedure laid down in the AMU Act, Statutes, and Regulations was duly followed. It acknowledged that while Prof. Khatoon's husband, Prof. Mohd. Gulrez, had chaired meetings of the Executive Council and the University Court in his capacity as Acting Vice-Chancellor, his role was limited and did not vitiate the multi-layered, democratic process of selection.
The Court also recognized that the final discretion to appoint the Vice-Chancellor lay with the Visitor of the University — the Hon’ble President of India, and no allegations of mala fide were established at that level. The judgment emphasized that Prof. Khatoon’s merit and qualifications were undisputed, and her appointment, as approved by the highest constitutional authority, deserves respect and recognition.
The Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Naima Khatoon stated: "I have always held the highest regard and unwavering faith in the independence and integrity of our judiciary. This verdict is not just a personal vindication, but a strong reaffirmation of institutional processes and democratic values in our higher education system. I remain committed to serving Aligarh Muslim University with sincerity, transparency, and a vision for inclusive academic excellence. Let this judgment inspire confidence among all stakeholders and reaffirm our shared mission to uphold the university’s legacy of knowledge, justice, and progress."