Govt told to respond on extension of vice-chancellor's tenure

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered notice to the state government with regard to a petition challenging the continuation of BR Ananthan as vice-chancellor of Rani Chenamma University in Belgaum. A division bench headed by Justice KL Manjunath asked the state government to file its response to the PIL filed by journalist Raghavendra Joshi."Ananthan was appointed vice-chancellor on August 16, 2010 and his term expired on May 2, 2013. As per the provisions of the Karnataka Universities Act, he cannot continue as VC. Based on Ananthan's requisition submitted on July 19, 2013, the governor extended his tenure for two more years and issued the order on July 29. Though the legal adviser gave a dissent note for the extension, the governor did it by flouting rules" the petitioner claimed.Five new judgesFive additional judges were appointed to the high court and likely to take oath on Thursday. The number of judges has increased to 40 against the total strength of 51.All five belong to district judge cadre. Arakalagudu Venkataramaiah Chandrashekara, Rathnakala, Budhihal Rudrappa Bhimappa, Pradeep Dattatraya Waingankar and Koratagere Narasimha Murthy Phaneendra (in order of seniority) were appointed for two years from the day they assume charge.Ex-SPP withdraws pleaS Dore Raju, former State Public Prosecutor who had sought continuance in the post, withdrew his petition on Tuesday. His counsel filed a memo to this effect before Justice HG Ramesh and also reserving the liberty to challenge the October 19 notification appointing the new SPP. Dore Raju had also sought permission to continue staying in the official quarters.