NALSAR students write to Telangana HC Chief Justice seeking reappointment of Prof Faizan Mustafa as Vice-Chancellor

Students of National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) Hyderabad have made a representation to the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and Chancellor of the University seeking the reappointment of Prof Faizan Mustafa as Vice-Chancellor.

The representation has been signed by 582 out of 885 (more than 65% of the entire student body) full-time students at NALSAR.

Prof Mustafa bid farewell on July 31, after his ten-year tenure at the University came to an end.

Highlighting certain concerns around the selection process of the Vice-Chancellor in light of recent incidents, the students in their representation have elaborated,

“.. Lately, we have been witnessing the publication of a few media reports that express an inclination for the Vice-Chancellor with roots in Telangana, to augment local representation. With all due respect, while we have absolutely no objection to having a Vice-Chancellor who belongs to Telangana, however the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor keeping their domicile as a primary or a significant consideration is against the spirit of the institution and the NALSAR Act which established it. The Act envisions the creation of a national legal institution in its letter and in spirit. In light of the same, it is respectfully stated that such territorial contemplations should not form the basis of any decision in selecting the Vice-Chancellor of our University.”

On April 27, before Prof Mustafa demitted office, the Student Bar Council had called for his re-appointment to the post. The students credited Prof Mustafa with, among other things, developing a vibrant choice-based credit system, starting the LL.M, PhD and MBA programmes, enhancement of library facilities, ensuring that there was no adverse impact on the academic schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic, deepening the range and effectiveness of the faculty, managing the finances and resources of the University with prudence, and running the institution in a participatory and equitable manner.

This was in response to an advertisement issued by the University in April 2022 calling for experienced academicians to replace Prof Mustafa as the new Vice-Chancellor.