- (1.) The petitioners are Associate Professors in the Department of Sanskrit in the University of Allahabad ('the University'). They have filed this petition for a direction upon the respondents to convene a meeting of the Selection Committee so that they may be considered for grant of promotion on the post of Professors under the Career Advancement Scheme ('the Scheme') which has been framed by the University Grants Commission under the provisions of the University Grants Commission Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education 2010 ('the 2010 Regulations'). It is stated that the University is incorporated under the provisions of the University of Allahabad Act, 2005 ('the Act'). The University Grants Commission by a notification dated 30 June 2010 has notified the 2010 Regulations under clauses (e) and (g) of sub-section (1) of Section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 in supersession of the earlier University Grants Commission Regulations, 2000. The Regulations apply among others to, every University established by or under a Central Act or a State Act.
(2.) The procedure for selection for promotions under the Scheme is provided for in clause (6) of the 2010 Regulations. According to the petitioners they fulfil all the eligibility criteria for being considered for promotion as Professors under the Scheme.
(3.) The petitioners have asserted that the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University fell vacant and presently in terms of Statute 2(6) of the Statutes of University, the senior most Professor in the University is holding the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University and though he is required to perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor until a new Vice-Chancellor assumes office, meetings of the Selection Committee for granting promotion under the Scheme are not being convened.;