Kochi: The interim order stayed the appointment of Priya Varghese, an associate professor in Kannur University, has been extended by the High Court. UGC has stated that Priya Varghese does not have sufficient qualifications. The court will hear the petition again on Wednesday. The High Court stayed the appointment on the petition of Joseph Scaria, a Malayalam teacher of SB College, Changanassery.
Six people appeared for the interview for the post of Associate Professor. Among these, Priya Varghese got the lowest research score including research papers. Joseph Scria, who got the second rank, has more than 15 years of teaching experience. The governor has already complained that Priya Varghese does not have eight years of teaching experience as prescribed by the UGC. According to the RTI document issued by Kannur University, Priya’s three-year research period on deputation and two-year non-teaching period as director of students were considered as teaching experience.