NEW DELHI, May 17 -- A fresh dispute has emerged between the University of Delhi (DU) and St. Stephen's College after the university directed the college to halt the appointment process of Professor Susan Elias as principal, citing alleged violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
The controversy began after St. Stephen's College announced that Prof. Elias would assume office as principal from June 1, 2026. The appointment was being viewed as historic, as she would become the first woman principal in the institution's 145-year history.
However, DU objected to the selection process, claiming that the committee constituted for the appointment did not comply with UGC Regulations, 2018. According to the university, DU nominees and required subject experts were not included in the panel, rendering the committee improperly constituted.
DU asked St Stephen's to halt the appointment process and form a fresh panel under UGC norms, while the college defended its procedure as lawful.
The dispute adds to recent disagreements between the university and the college over admissions, reservations and administrative powers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.