Mon Sep 08 06:58:53 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Supreme Court Upholds Appointment of First Woman Vice-Chancellor at Aligarh Muslim University**
NEW DELHI, September 8, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India today declined to intervene in a petition challenging the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). A Bench headed by Justice J.K. Maheshwari stated they were not inclined to entertain the plea, effectively upholding Professor Khatoon’s selection.
The petition, filed by Professors Muzaffar Uruj Rabbani and Faizan Mustafa, questioned the participation of Professor Khatoon’s husband, Professor Mohd. Gulrez, who was officiating as Vice-Chancellor at the time, in the Executive Council meeting that recommended her for approval. The petitioners argued that her potential candidacy was compromised by her husband’s involvement.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Nizam Pasha, representing the petitioners, contended that Professor Khatoon should not have been considered for the position while her husband served on the Council.
However, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, defended the appointment, emphasizing Professor Khatoon’s stellar academic record and deeming her a worthy candidate.
The Allahabad High Court had previously dismissed similar concerns regarding the appointment process. The case was initially brought before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, but Justice Vinod Chandran recused himself, leading to its transfer to Justice Maheshwari’s Bench.
This decision comes amidst other challenges at AMU, including recent demands from visually impaired students for action regarding hostel denials and a lack of special educators at the Ahmadi School.
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