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At the heart of the latest disagreement is DU’s contention that the selection committee formed for Elias’s appointment did not comply with UGC norms.
If appointed, Susan Elias will become the first woman principal in the 145-year history of St Stephen’s College, established in 1881. (Image: LinkedIn)
Despite objections from Delhi University, St Stephen’s College is likely to move forward with appointing Susan Elias as its 14th principal, according to official sources.
The college announced Elias’s appointment through a notification issued on May 12. In response, DU asked the institution not to proceed, alleging that the appointment process did not comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The university also sought intervention from the UGC.
If appointed, Elias will become the first woman principal in the 145-year history of St Stephen’s College, established in 1881.
Sources within the college said on Tuesday that Elias is expected to assume office on June 1, in line with the May 12 notification.
Speaking anonymously to PTI, an official said, “Elias is expected to take charge as the 14th principal from June 1. Meanwhile, former principal John Varghese has been absorbed into the English department as faculty, although there remains considerable ambiguity around the matter.”
The development adds another chapter to the long-running dispute between Delhi University and the college, including an ongoing court case concerning recognition of John Varghese’s second term as principal, which ended in February 2026.
At the heart of the latest disagreement is DU’s contention that the selection committee formed for Elias’s appointment did not comply with UGC norms. College authorities, however, are believed to have relied on the institution’s minority status to justify the process.
The controversy has also revived debate around a 2008 Delhi High Court ruling during the appointment of former principal Valson Thampu. The court had then held that, as a minority institution, St Stephen’s College was not bound by Delhi University ordinances governing the constitution of principal selection committees.
Another official told PTI that even after Thampu assumed office and the court delivered its verdict, he was initially not formally recognised as principal, with his salary being paid from the college’s private funds instead of UGC grants. The official added that formal recognition from the university came much later.
“The university also refused to recognise Varghese’s second term, yet he continued as principal. Similarly, Elias is expected to take over as well,” the official said.
The fresh standoff is likely to intensify tensions between the university administration and the college over the degree of autonomy minority institutions enjoy in appointments and governance matters.
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