In Brief
Daulat Ram College, affiliated to the University of Delhi, sought clarity on whether the Principal or the Governing Body has authority to appoint the College Hostel Warden. The Supreme Court held that the Governing Body, not the Principal, possesses statutory authority to appoint the Warden. The Court rejected reliance on a 1987 University Grants Commission letter, finding it merely communicated funding decisions, not appointment authority. The Staff Council has no statutory power to recommend candidates for this post. The Court approved a procedure whereby the Principal invites applications and makes recommendations, but final appointment authority rests exclusively with the Governing Body. The appeal was allowed and directions of the High Court requiring Staff Council involvement were set aside.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.