Economist and political analyst Dr Ajit Ranade, who was terminated as the Vice Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) on September 14, approached the Bombay High Court on Wednesday seeking an urgent hearing for a stay on his termination. Though Ranade wasn't granted an urgent hearing, the matter is scheduled to be taken up on September 22. Ranade was issued a termination letter by Chancellor Bibek Debroy after a fact-finding committee found that his candidature does not conform to the established norms set forth by the guidelines of University Grants Commission (UGC). In light of his termination, Ranade had said, “This is truly unfortunate and a shocking decision. For the past two-and-a-half years, I have been working diligently and to the best of my ability, contributing to positive developments in the institute. These results seem to have been completely ignored". The FFC recommendation as quoted in the termination letter to Ranade stated, "The Committee, after careful consideration, is of the opinion that Dr Ajit Ranade's candidature does not conform to the established norms set forth by the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. It is, therefore, legally untenable for him to continue in the role of Vice-Chancellor, as his appointment fails to meet the requisite legal and regulatory criteria for such a position. Consequently, the Committee strongly recommends the removal of Dr Ajit Ranade from his position as Vice-Chancellor of GIPE, Pune.”
