RPNLU Prayagraj Finance Controller Removed
The finance controller of Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU), has been removed following his refusal to approve a ₹70,000 academic incentive for the Vice-Chancellor, Usha Tandon. This incident follows a pattern of changes within the university’s finance department.
Recent FC Turnover
According to a report from September 8, the University has replaced nine finance controllers in the past two years. Siddharth S Tripathi, the most recent FC, was removed after declining to approve the incentive.
Refusal of Incentive
Tripathi reportedly argued that the Vice-Chancellor was not entitled to such an incentive. He declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Bar & Bench.
University Governance
The University’s public relations officer (PRO) Prakash Tripathi stated that the power to appoint or remove the finance controller rests with the State government, not the Vice-Chancellor. However, the University Act indicates that the Executive Council, comprising the VC, faculty members, and government representatives, appoints the FC in consultation with the state government.
Ongoing Investigations
RPNLU is currently facing scrutiny over other issues. In August, the university denied irregularities in the recruitment of 12 assistant professors and filed a police complaint against press coverage it deemed defamatory. Subsequently, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a probe into the recruitment process.
Allegations of Discrimination
More recently, on September 21, Justice Vinod Diwakar of the Allahabad High Court ordered a judicial probe into allegations of caste-based harassment and discrimination by a faculty member. A Division Bench questioned the necessity of a judicial inquiry, citing the presence of an Equal Opportunity Cell. An appeal against this order was placed before a bench headed by Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, who recused himself from the matter.
Awaiting Information
The University is awaiting a response from the PRO regarding the specific basis for the proposed ₹70,000 academic incentive.
Source: Bar and Bench. Featured image credit: Bar and Bench.
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