Court Proceedings Prompt Resignation Move

During a hearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, counsel for Ashok Kumar informed the bench that the former police chief would be unable to continue as vice‑chancellor of Haryana Sports University, Rai, citing personal considerations. The judges instructed that his resignation be submitted within three weeks and that the state accept it within a week of receipt.

The court also imposed a firm timetable – 31 October 2026 – by which the Haryana government must install a successor. Until a new appointment is made, the university’s most senior dean will assume the chief executive’s responsibilities.

Dr Devendra Singh Mor and another petitioner challenged Kumar’s elevation in the High Court, contending that his selection failed to satisfy the eligibility and experience standards prescribed in the UGC Regulations 2018 for a university vice‑chancellor.

The petitioners further disputed the salary order, arguing that any candidate must possess the requisite academic qualifications and professional background. Their plea sought a judicial review of Kumar’s academic credentials and his record as a professor.

From Police Leadership to Academic Head

Kumar retired as Uttarakhand’s Director General of Police in November 2023. Four months later, on 1 March 2024, the Haryana government named him vice‑chancellor of the newly‑created Haryana Sports University, Rai.

Although the High Court has not declared the appointment illegal, Kumar indicated during the hearing that he would resign for personal reasons.

What Lies Ahead for the University

With a resignation expected within three weeks, the Haryana administration must now initiate a transparent selection process for a new vice‑chancellor. The court‑mandated 31 October 2026 deadline provides a clear timeframe for completing the appointment.

In the meantime, the university’s senior dean will carry out the vice‑chancellor’s duties, ensuring uninterrupted governance while a permanent replacement is identified.