India, May 17 -- Even as a fresh tussle brews between Delhi University and St Stephen's College over the appointment of the college principal, a 2008 court judgement has brought renewed focus on the provisions given to minority institutions in choosing their heads.

The ruling, delivered in a dispute similar to the present one at the time of the appointment of Valson Thampu as the principal, had held that St Stephen's College, being a minority institution, was not bound by provisions of the DU ordinance relating to the constitution of selection committees for appointing principals.

The judgement has gained significance after the university recently asked the college not to proceed with the appointment of Susan Elias as the new principal,...