New Delhi, Dec 3 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Thursday pulled up the principal of St Stephen’s College, Rev Valson Thampu, for abusing his power over the appointment of governing body member, Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi.
A division bench comprising of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Suresh Kait said: “Principal is abusing his power. He can appoint the member but cannot fix the tenure.”

“This is one of the best examples where we have seen the abuse of power,” remarked the bench while allowing Quaraishi to participate in the governing body meeting Thursday.

“This case is nothing but just a case of ego clashes and because of this college is suffering,” the court said while asking the parties to solve the matter amicably and posted the matter to Dec 16.

The court was hearing the appeal filed by Thampu challenging the single bench order of restraining Quaraishi from participating in the governing body meeting.

The single bench had passed the order on the civil suit filed by Ajay P. Singha, former member of the governing body, against the decision to appoint Quraishi on the governing body.

In October, Singha moved the court against Quraishi’s appointment, contending that he was removed before his tenure as the governing body member ended, and was replaced by Quraishi. It was also submitted that Singha was appointed against the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Naveen Chawla, the chief election commissioner.

Last month the court allowed Quraishi to attend the governing body meeting and ruled that Singha’s petition was not maintainable.