DU Asks St Stephen’s to Halt John Varghese Professor Absorption

DU Asks St Stephen’s College to Halt John Varghese Professor Absorption has emerged as the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Delhi University and St Stephen’s College regarding governance, appointments, and institutional autonomy. Delhi University has formally directed St Stephen’s College not to proceed with the proposed absorption of outgoing principal Professor John Varghese as a professor in the college’s English department.

According to the university administration, the proposed appointment violates the University Grants Commission Regulations 2018 and established university norms governing faculty appointments in affiliated colleges. The directive was issued through an official communication sent by the university registrar to the governing body of the college on May 29, 2026. The controversy has added another chapter to the prolonged conflict between the university and the minority institution over appointments, extension of tenure, and administrative autonomy

Delhi University Objects to John Varghese Absorption Proposal

Delhi University stated that the proposed absorption of Professor John Varghese directly as a professor is not permitted under existing UGC regulations and university statutes. According to the university, substantive teaching positions in affiliated colleges are sanctioned only at the level of Assistant Professor, while promotions to Associate Professor and Professor take place under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).

The university clarified that neither the UGC Regulations 2018 nor university-approved rules provide any provision for direct absorption of an individual as professor in a college without following the prescribed appointment and promotion procedures. The issue concerns University of Delhi and St. Stephen's College, one of the oldest constituent colleges affiliated with Delhi University.

What Delhi University Said in Official Communication?

In its letter addressed to the governing body chairman of St Stephen’s College, Delhi University reportedly termed the recommendation to absorb John Varghese as “ultra vires,” meaning beyond the legal powers of the institution. The university instructed the college not to proceed further with the proposal

The registrar also mentioned that the UGC, which provides funding support to colleges, sanctions only substantive teaching posts at the entry-level stage. Promotions to higher academic positions are governed strictly through performance-based procedures under the Career Advancement Scheme. The university additionally stated that after completion of tenure as principal, the concerned individual should normally return to the parent institution and receive retirement benefits accordingly.

Background of the St Stephen’s and DU Governance Dispute

The latest disagreement is part of a long-standing institutional conflict between Delhi University and St Stephen’s College over governance and autonomy matters. Over the past several years, disputes have emerged regarding:

• Principal appointments
• Faculty recruitment procedures
• UGC compliance
• Administrative autonomy
• Governing body decisions

Delhi University has repeatedly argued that all appointments and administrative processes in affiliated colleges must comply with UGC regulations and university statutes. On the other hand, St Stephen’s College has maintained that its minority institution status provides it certain administrative freedoms.

John Varghese Tenure and Controversy Explained

Professor John Varghese served as the principal of St Stephen’s College and remained at the centre of earlier legal and administrative disputes related to extension of tenure. Delhi University had previously objected to his continuation beyond the approved tenure period, arguing that fresh appointments should follow proper UGC procedures.

Recent reports indicated that the college had listed John Varghese under the English department as professor even though concerns were raised regarding the absence of sanctioned vacancies and selection committee procedures. The university also pointed out that appointments to professor-level positions in colleges are not made directly and require promotion through academic ranks over time.

UGC Regulations 2018 and Career Advancement Scheme

The dispute has brought attention to the UGC Regulations 2018 governing appointments and promotions in higher education institutions. Under the Career Advancement Scheme, faculty members in colleges are generally appointed as Assistant Professors at entry level and later promoted based on experience, academic performance, and screening by duly constituted selection committees.

Delhi University argued that no existing rule permits direct absorption or appointment of an individual as professor in a college without following these procedures.

Susan Elias Appointment Row Adds to Tensions

The current issue comes shortly after another disagreement involving the appointment of Professor Susan Elias as principal of St Stephen’s College. Delhi University had earlier asked the college not to proceed with the appointment process, claiming that the selection committee allegedly did not comply with UGC norms. However, reports suggest that the college intends to continue with the appointment despite university objections. Susan Elias is expected to become the first woman principal in the history of the institution.

Impact on Higher Education Governance Debate

The dispute between Delhi University and St Stephen’s College has once again highlighted the broader debate over autonomy of minority educational institutions and regulatory oversight by universities and statutory bodies.

Education experts believe that such cases could influence future interpretations of governance structures, faculty appointments, and administrative powers in affiliated colleges across India. The ongoing disagreements may also lead to further legal scrutiny regarding the balance between institutional autonomy and regulatory compliance in higher education.

Final Update on DU and St Stephen’s Dispute

Delhi University has clearly stated that the proposed absorption of Professor John Varghese as professor should not proceed further under existing rules. The matter has intensified tensions between the university and St Stephen’s College amid ongoing disputes related to governance and appointments. As the issue continues to attract attention within academic and legal circles, further developments are expected regarding university regulations, institutional autonomy, and the future administrative structure of St Stephen’s College.