LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Government College University (GCU) vice chancellor and others on a petition challenging appointment of Prof Dr Ikramul Haq as “Professor Emeritus” in violation of rules.

Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed assailed the appointment and asked the court to set aside it for being unlawful.

At the outset of petition’s first hearing, Advocate Shoaib Saleem argued on behalf of the petitioner that Prof Haq, since his appointment, had been interfering in the varsity’s administrative affairs.

He said according to the terms and conditions for appointment as Professor Emeritus, the respondent was not authorised to have administrative control of any department of the university. But, the counsel said, he was holding two administrative posts; chairman of sports board and director research, innovation and commercialisation.

The counsel argued the relevant rules did not allow a Professor Emeritus to hold any administrative post. He pointed out the criteria set by the HEC for the appointment against the post was being violated blatantly at the GCU.

He asked the court to declare the appointment unlawful and restrain Dr Haq from interfering in GCU’s administrative affairs.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the arguments and sought replies from the respondents by June 14.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2016