Court Proceedings Prompt Resignation Request
During a hearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, counsel for Ashok Kumar informed the bench that the ex‑DGP would be unable to continue as vice‑chancellor of Haryana Sports University, Rai, citing personal reasons. The judges directed that his resignation be lodged within three weeks and that the state acknowledge it within a week of receipt.
The court also imposed a hard deadline – 31 October 2026 – for the government to complete the selection of a new vice‑chancellor. Until a replacement is named, the university’s most senior dean will assume the chief executive’s responsibilities.
Challenge to the Original Appointment
The appointment was contested in the High Court by Dr Devendra Singh Mor and another petitioner. Their petition argued that Kumar’s selection failed to meet the eligibility and experience standards prescribed in the UGC Regulations 2018 for university vice‑chancellors.
The petitioners further questioned the order fixing his remuneration, insisting that any candidate must satisfy the stipulated academic qualifications and professional experience. Their plea sought judicial scrutiny of Kumar’s academic credentials and his record as a professor.
From Police Chief to University Head
Ashok Kumar retired as the Director General of Police for Uttarakhand in November 2023. Four months later, on 1 March 2024, the Haryana government appointed him as the inaugural vice‑chancellor of the newly‑established Haryana Sports University, Rai.
Although the High Court has not declared the appointment illegal, Kumar has indicated his intention to resign for personal reasons, as stated during the hearing.
What Lies Ahead for the University
With a resignation expected within three weeks, the Haryana administration must now initiate the selection process for a new vice‑chancellor. The court‑mandated 31 October 2026 deadline provides a clear timeline for completing this task.
In the meantime, the university’s senior-most dean will carry out the duties of the vice‑chancellor, ensuring operational continuity while the search for a permanent head proceeds.
