Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi has been placed under suspension by President Ram Nath Kovind, the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday. The decision comes amid a controversy over some appointments and alleged administrative lapses.
On Tuesday night, Kovind, in his capacity as the Visitor of the university, had given approval to the ministry to order an inquiry against Tyagi.
An official told PTI that all orders issued by or issued with the approval of Yogesh Tyagi during the period of his absence on medical ground are set aside and to be treated as null and void.
Tyagi has been on leave since July 2 when he was admitted to AIIMS under emergency medical condition. The government had given Pro-VC P.C. Joshi the charge of VC on July 17, until Tyagi resumes office.
A controversy erupted last week when Tyagi removed Joshi as pro-VC on Thursday and appointed Geeta Bhatt, the director of the Non-Collegiate Women's Eduction Board of the university, in his place.
Joshi had, meanwhile, notified the appointment of a new registrar, Vikas Gupta, whose interview had been completed and appointment cleared by the executive council on Wednesday.
However, the same day, Tyagi had approved and notified the appointment of P.C. Jha as acting registrar and director of the South Campus.
The ministry then intervened in the power tussle between the vice chancellor and the pro-vice chancellor, saying appointments made by Tyagi were not "valid" as he is on leave.
The power tussle intensified with Jha writing to the ministry citing himself as "acting Registrar" and saying that all decisions taken by Tygai are in accordance with university norms. The ministry took objection to the letter and directed the varsity to take strict action against him.
Inputs from PTI