By Khabar Rojana Chennai | February 2, 2026:
The Tamil Nadu Governor’s office (Lok Bhavan) has formally disapproved of the State government’s decision to constitute and extend search committees for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in State universities, stating that the move is contrary to judicial orders.
In an official release issued on Monday, Lok Bhavan expressed serious concern over the functioning of these committees, noting that they have been operating without a nominee from the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
“It is a matter of serious concern that these committees have been constituted and are functioning without a nominee of the Chairman, UGC,” the release said.
Extension Granted Despite Pending Proceedings
According to the Governor’s office, the Tamil Nadu government issued orders on December 22, 2025, extending the tenure of the VC search committees and granting additional time until March 21, 2026, for submitting panels of names for Vice-Chancellor appointments.
Lok Bhavan contended that these orders were issued despite the pendency of certain legal proceedings, making the government’s action inconsistent with existing judicial directions.
Ongoing Tussle Over University Governance
The issue is the latest development in the ongoing stand-off between Raj Bhavan and the Tamil Nadu government over the governance and appointment process of State universities. The absence of a UGC nominee, as mandated under UGC regulations, has been a recurring point of contention.
The matter is expected to further intensify the debate over constitutional authority, autonomy of universities, and the role of the Governor as Chancellor of State universities.
Shalu Shalu