Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has removed Dr Prashant Kadu as Dean of Faculty of Inter-disciplinary Studies with effect from February 17, 2024. The notice says, ‘The termination orders would come into effect from February 17, on completion of the one-month notice period from the date of its issuance.’ The letter signed by Dr Raju Hiwase, Registrar, RTMNU addressed to Dr Prashant Kadu states that Dr Shalini Sakharkar had challenged Dr Kadu’s appointment before the Chancellor of the University by invoking jurisdiction under Section 105(5) of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016. The Chancellor of the University declared his appointment as Dean, Faculty of Inter-Disciplinary Studies in RTMNU as ‘illegal and cancelled’.

 

The Chancellor had also made it clear that the qualifications prescribed in the advertisement as per decision of Academic Council were not in conformity with the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016. The notice says, ‘In terms of Order under reference passed by the Honourable Chancellor of the University and the directions issued by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, your services shall stand terminated in view of cancellation of your appointment as Dean, Faculty of Inter-Disciplinary Studies in Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University with effect from February 17, 2024.’ The notice has further said that ‘No fresh relieving order would be necessary and will not be issued. This may please be noted.’ The interviews for the post of Dean were conducted on December 8, 2022. Dr Kadu, who was working as Principal of Abha Gaikwad-Patil College of Engineering, was selected for the post. In June 2022, Chancellor Ramesh Bais had cancelled the appointment of Dr Kadu. The Chancellor, in a tersely worded letter, lambasted Academic Council for violating the rules under the Act while appointing him. Dr Kadu had challenged the order in the High Court. The High Court had sent the case to the Chancellor for reconsideration.