Agra, Aug. 23 -- The recent appointment of Ali Farhan Gulrez, son of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) vice chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, as an assistant professor in the university's department of law has sparked a controversy after complaints were submitted to the President, who is the visitor to the university, alleging serious violations of guidelines governing the recruitment of a close relative of the head of the institution. Copies of the representations were sent to the Union ministry of education. However, the AMU public relations office has denied all allegations, asserting that the appointment under the Dr BR Ambedkar Chair of the university was made strictly in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and prescribed procedures. In his representations, Syed Kaif Hasan, an alumnus of AMU and a lawyer, sought immediate intervention, a vigilance inquiry and the suspension of the selection process for the post. Hasan challenged the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the recruitment process. He first filed a representation on June 24, 2026 followed by one on July 15. He complained that university conducted the selection committee on June 24 and the appointment of the VC's son was recommended. The appointment letter was issued on July 16. Ali Farhan Gulrez was teaching at Manipal University prior to his appointment at AMU. The appointment has also led to resentment among a section of AMU faculty members, who alleged the recruitment violates guidelines issued in 2018 by the ministry of education (then known as the ministry of human resource development) regarding recruitment involving the close relative of a VC or other head of the institution. The guidelines require that when such a relative applies, the head of institution needs to declare the relationship in advance and recuse themselves from the recruitment process. In separate representations addressed to the President of India, with copies to the ministry of education, Hasan raised serious objections regarding the VC's son being recruited. Efforts were made to obtain the VC's version, but calls and a message went unanswered. A statement from the AMU's public relations office said: "The post is a tenure-based position for five years or co-terminus with the Chair, whichever is earlier, and is sponsored and funded by the ministry of social justice and empowerment through the Dr Ambedkar Foundation. The Chair operates under the applicable scheme and MoU with the university and is distinct from posts created or sponsored by the ministry of education or the UGC." "The selection was conducted by the duly constituted selection committee presided over by the pro vice chancellor and comprising experts nominated by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation, as prescribed under the governing provisions. The vice chancellor had recused herself and had no role in the entire selection process," said the statement released on Saturday....