Solan: In a swift administrative turnaround within 24 hours, the Himachal Pradesh government has overturned an order issued by the Vice-Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, which had stripped Registrar Siddharth Acharya of his statutory and administrative powers.
The state government has issued clear directives confirming that Siddharth Acharya will continue to serve as the lawful Registrar of the university, with all his official duties, functions, and authority fully restored with immediate effect.
Government Declares Order Void
According to an official notification issued by the Secretary of Horticulture on October 6, the Vice-Chancellor’s October 5 order—which had withdrawn Siddharth Acharya’s powers and handed over the charge of Registrar to Director of Extension Education Dr DP Sharma—has been officially recalled. The state administration declared the earlier decision null, void, and without any legal standing.
Detailing the statutory groundwork, the government cited provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestry University Act, 1986. The official order highlighted that the Registrar is a statutory officer appointed as per the procedure laid down by the state government under Section 30 of the Act to perform designated statutory responsibilities.
Legal Scope of Emergency Powers
The state government specifically highlighted Section 25(7) of the Act, which defines the Vice-Chancellor’s emergency powers. The order clarified that while the Vice-Chancellor holds emergency authority over matters strictly within their jurisdiction, this power does not extend to appointing an individual to a statutory post or removing an incumbent officer from their responsibilities.
State officials noted that the practical effect of the Vice-Chancellor’s October 5 directive was tantamount to removing a statutory officer and substituting him with another authority. The government emphasized that general administrative oversight or disciplinary control cannot be stretched to exercise powers that the law explicitly excludes from the Vice-Chancellor’s emergency purview.
Immediate Return of Official Assets
Following the directive, the state government instructed all university officers and staff to recognize Siddharth Acharya as the sole statutory Registrar and render full cooperation in the discharge of his duties.
Furthermore, the administration ordered that any official files, university records, registers, seals, keys, or other institutional property handed over to any officer pursuant to the October 5 order must be returned to Siddharth Acharya immediately. The interim arrangement assigning duties to Dr DP Sharma stands revoked, ensuring full operational continuity under the restored Registrar.
