Court Proceedings Prompt Resignation Request
During a hearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, counsel for Ashok Kumar informed the bench that the former police chief would be unable to continue as vice‑chancellor of Haryana Sports University, Rai, citing personal considerations. The judges directed that his resignation be tendered within three weeks and that the state accept it within a week of receipt.
The court also imposed a firm deadline – 31 October 2026 – for the government to finalize the selection of a new vice‑chancellor. Until a successor is appointed, the university’s most senior dean will assume the chief executive’s responsibilities.
Legal Objection to the Initial Appointment
The original appointment was challenged in the High Court by Dr Devendra Singh Mor and another petitioner. Their petition argued that Kumar’s selection did not fulfil the eligibility and experience standards prescribed in the UGC Regulations 2018 for university vice‑chancellors.
The petitioners further contested the salary order, insisting that any candidate must possess the requisite academic qualifications and professional experience. The case called for judicial scrutiny of Kumar’s academic credentials and his record as a professor.
From Police Chief to University Head
Ashok Kumar retired as Uttarakhand’s director general of police in November 2023. Four months later, on 1 March 2024, the Haryana government appointed him as vice‑chancellor of the newly‑established Haryana Sports University, Rai.
Although the High Court proceedings have not declared his appointment illegal, Kumar has indicated his intention to step down for personal reasons, as stated during the hearing.
What Lies Ahead for the University
With a resignation expected within three weeks, the Haryana government must now initiate a transparent selection process for a new vice‑chancellor. The court‑set deadline of 31 October 2026 provides a clear timeline for completing this task.
In the interim, the university’s senior dean will discharge the vice‑chancellor’s duties, ensuring administrative continuity while the search for a permanent head proceeds.
