Ahluwalia ‘offer’ turned down,Trust to contest his petition

Meanwhile,in an affidavit filed in the Court on Wednesday,the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president and University Chancellor Avtar Singh Makkar vehemently denied the accusations levelled against him. Countering charges of nepotism,Makkar has stated that all appointments were made by the University as per terms and conditions. “Not a single candidate has been appointed at the recommendation of the Chancellor,” Makkar’s affidavit reads. He also stated that his grandson’s appointment was made by the vice-chancellor as per conditions laid down by the University.

Further,as demanded by the High Court on the last date of hearing,the University also filed an affidavit explaining the procedure that had been adopted for the 92 appointments in the absence of then Vice-Chancellor Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia. In his petition,Ahluwalia had alleged that the 92 appointments were made when he was hospitalised and that he had refused to regularise them as they were “illegal”.

The University,however,in its affidavit stated that after Ahluwalia was hospitalised,it realised there was an acute shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff. Hence,contractual appointments were made by the then acting vice-chancellor. Denying allegations of any illegality,the University has stated that the appointments were only makeshift arrangements and were made for a period of one year.

Adjourning the case to September 19,the High Court has asked the University to file a detailed affidavit regarding irregularities committed by Ahluwalia. As per available information,Chandigarh-based auditors M S Kohli Associates and Satnam Namita Associates have submitted their report on the alleged financial irregularities by the suspended vice-chancellor. The firm has listed irregularities in the use of funds for purchasing construction material.