Telangana High Court questions government on extending term of TSCHE chief

HYDERABAD: Telangana High Court has asked the state government to explain its stand following a petition filed in court challenging the G.O issued for further continuation of T. Papi Reddy as chairman of Telangana State Council for Higher Education (TSCHE), even though he has attained the age 65 years.

The petition pointed out that this is in violation of Section 5 (1) of Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE), as adopted by Telangana State Council for Higher Education (TSCHE).

Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili sought an explanation in this regard from the government within two weeks. He was dealing with the quo warranto petition that wanted the GO extending tenure of Papi Reddy to be declared by court as arbitrary and illegal.

APSCHE was formed by an act of 1988. After bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into AP and Telangana, Telangana government issued G.O. Ms. No. 5, adopting the Act of 1988.

Under it, the Telangana State Council for Higher Education will have one chairman, vice chairman, and members, who shall be appointed by the government ordinarily for a term of three years, with provision to reappoint them for a second term, provided that the appointee as chairman or vice chairman has not attained the age of 65 years.

Papi Reddy had been appointed as chairman of TSCHE on August 5, 2014 for a term of three years. The term expired after completion of three years. On August 4, 2017, the government issued another G. O. extending his term as chairman for a further period of three years. This term also expired August 3, 2020.

Meanwhile, Papi Reddy attained the age of 65 in 2019. But putting aside norms, the state government again issued G. O. 115, dated July 17, 2020 stating that the period of chairman, vice chairman and members of Telangana State Council for Higher Education is being extended until further orders.

The petitioner complained that given the norms under the act, continuation of Papi Reddy as chairman of TSCHE is against statutory provisions.