Bombay High Court

RUBY OJHAversusSNDT WOMENS UNIVERSITY THR. REGISTRAR AND ORS

Decided: 22 July 2026
Disposal: Disposed Off
Bench: R I CHAGLA FARHAN P DUBASH

Holding

The Vice Chancellor is duly empowered under Sections 12 and 13 of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Pro‑Vice Chancellor.

Summary

The petition filed by Ruby Ojha, Pro‑Vice Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, sought relief against disciplinary action initiated by the Vice Chancellor. The parties, after extensive hearing, reached a consensual arrangement. It was agreed that the Vice Chancellor is empowered under Sections 12 and 13 of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 to commence disciplinary proceedings against the petitioner. The parties also consented to the appointment of retired Justice Rajesh Govind Ketkar as the enquiry officer, with his fees to be borne by the University. The court ordered that the disciplinary proceedings continue as per law, allowing the Vice Chancellor to lead evidence, and directed the enquiry officer to conclude the matter before the Pro‑Vice Chancellor’s term ends on 12 September 2026. The writ petition was disposed of on these terms.

Issues considered

Whether the Vice Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University has statutory authority under Sections 12 and 13 of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Pro‑Vice Chancellor.
Whether the appointment of a new enquiry officer by consent is permissible and who bears the cost of his fees.
Procedural rights of the parties in the disciplinary proceedings, including the Vice Chancellor’s participation in evidence.

Legislation cited

Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 — s. 12, 13

Subjects

disciplinary proceedings
university administration
statutory authority
consent order
enquiry officer
Maharashtra Public Universities Act

Judgment

                                                                                                     903-WP-16278-2025.doc
                                                                                               Ruby Ojha Vs. SNDT University



                                 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
                                         CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
                                           WRIT PETITION NO. 16278 OF 2025

                   Ruby Ojha                                                                 ...Petitioner
                        V/s.
                   SNDT Women’s University thr. Registrar & Ors.   ...Respondents
                                 _______________________________________
                   Mr. Rajiv Chavan, Senior Advocate, with Ms. Auchishmati Chandramore, Ms. Asmi
                   Desai & Ms. Sonal Pandey, for the Petitioner.
                   Mr. L. M. Acharrya, with Ms. Priyanka Acharrya, Ms. Prajakta Shinde, for the
                   Respondent Nos. 1 and 2.
                   Mr. N. C. Walimbe, Addl GP, with Mr. Karan S. Thorat, B Panel Counsel with Mr. V.
                   G. Badgujar, AGP, for the Respondent – State.
                   Prof. Vilas D. Nandavadekar, Registrar – SNDT Women’s University.
                                     _______________________________________

                                                      CORAM : R.I. CHAGLA AND
                                                              FARHAN P. DUBASH, JJ.

                                                      DATE                 : 22nd JULY 2026

                   P. C.:

                   1.       Having heard the parties for a substantial length of time, the contesting
                            parties have arrived at a workable arrangement.

                   2.       The following order is passed by consent of the contesting parties as under:-

                                                                       ::ORDER::

                   3.       It is agreed that Respondent No. 2 – Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women’s
                            University has the power under Section 12 and 13 of the Maharashtra Public
                            Universities Act, 2016 to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the
                            Petitioner Pro – Vice Chancellor of the SNDT Women’s University.

AMOL               4.       The parties have agreed that the disciplinary proceedings initiated by
PREMNATH
JADHAV

Digitally signed
by AMOL                                                          Page 1 of 2
PREMNATH
JADHAV                                               -------------------------------------
Date: 2026.07.23                                        Order dated 22nd July 2026
19:08:14 +0530
                                                                                     903-WP-16278-2025.doc
                                                                               Ruby Ojha Vs. SNDT University


       Respondent No 2 – Vice Chancellor pursuant to the charge sheet dated 23 rd
       September 2025 be proceeded with against the Petitioner – Pro Vice
       Chancellor in accordance with law. Parties are at liberty to raise all
       contentions in the aforesaid proceedings.

5.     Respondent No. 2 – Vice Chancellor is also entitled to participate in the
       disciplinary proceedings and lead both documentary and oral evidence, if she
       so chooses and is warranted to do so.

6.     By consent of parties, Mr. Justice Rajesh Govind Ketkar, (Retd. Judge of this
       Court) is appointed as the enquiry officer in place of the earlier enquiry
       officer appointed by the Respondent No. 1 – SNDT Women’s University.
       The aforesaid appointed enquiry officer is free to determine his fees which
       shall be borne by Respondent No. 1 – SNDT Women’s University.

7.     The aforesaid appointed enquiry officer is requested to conclude the
       proceedings as early as possible by keeping in mind that the term of the Pro
       Vice Chancellor is co-terminus with Vice Chancellor which comes to an end
       on 12th September 2026.

8.     The Writ Petition is disposed of in the above terms.




       ( FARHAN P. DUBASH, J. )                                          ( R.I. CHAGLA, J. )
Amol




                                             Page 2 of 2
                                 -------------------------------------
                                    Order dated 22nd July 2026

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