MDU EC conflict: VC suspends Registrar - reinstated by Chancellor;  Executive Council meeting postponed

Rohtak, February 18, 2026: Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, is once again in the headlines due to a heated argument between Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh and Registrar Dr. Krishna Kant. This time, the two top university officials are at loggerheads over the Executive Council (EC) meeting.

According to sources, the Haryana government had already reprimanded the university in a letter (KW 15/2-2026 UNP-4) regarding the 302nd Executive Council meeting. The Higher Education Department had advised rescheduling the 302nd Executive Council meeting. Despite this, the meeting was held. The government took cognizance of the matter and directed that no appointment orders be issued or new individuals be allowed to join until the government made a decision on the matter. Despite these clear instructions, appointment letters were issued, a clear violation of government directives.

 Against this backdrop, the controversy deepened. The 304th Executive Council meeting was convened on February 18th. In accordance with government directives, an email was sent by the Registrar postponing the meeting. The Vice-Chancellor objected to this and directed all members to attend the scheduled meeting.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh took disciplinary action on Tuesday, suspending Registrar Krishnakant with immediate effect after the latter followed the Haryana ACS's letter stating that the EC meeting would not be held. VC also appointed Prof. Harish Dureja of the Pharmacy Department as the new Registrar to facilitate the 304th Executive Council meeting. The Vice-Chancellor argued that administrative work should not be disrupted and the meeting was essential to be held on time.

On the other hand, Dr. Krishnakant called his suspension completely illegal. He said that his appointment was made with the approval of the Governor (Chancellor), and therefore, the Vice-Chancellor has no authority to suspend him. He alleged that this action was a violation of the Haryana government's directives and the University Act. According to the Registrar, he was following the government's instructions, yet he was targeted. He also said that the new appointment to the post of Registrar was against the rules, which could raise questions about the validity of the proposed meeting and could subject any decision taken there to legal challenge.

On Wednesday, this administrative dispute took a dramatic turn. The Governor's office strongly objected to the 304th Executive Council (EC) meeting called by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh and ordered it be postponed until further orders. Following these orders, the Vice-Chancellor postponed the meeting.

A letter issued by the Governor's office (No. HLB-GS-2026/1394), stated that the 304th Executive Meeting, scheduled for February 18th, violates government directives issued through a letter dated February 17, 2026. Taking cognizance of this, the Governor (Chancellor) has ordered the meeting to be postponed.

In another order (No. HLB-GS-2026/1393), the Governor-Chancellor has revoked the suspension order (dated February 17, 2026) of Registrar Dr. Krishna Kant and directed his immediate reinstatement. It has also been stated that no future action by the Vice Chancellor will be taken without the Chancellor's prior approval.

It is noteworthy that the term of Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh ends on February 20th 2026. Following recent developments, discussions and speculation have heated up the university campus. The university's teachers' union, non-teaching staff organizations, and student groups also appeared divided over this meeting.

A press release issued by Director of Public Relations, Prof. Ashish Dahiya, stated that the Executive Council (EC) meeting of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, scheduled for today, has been postponed. The 304th meeting of the Executive Council, which is being held in accordance with the University Act and Bylaws, was convened today in the Vice-Chancellor's Committee Room in the University Secretariat. The meeting had already begun, but following instructions from the Governor-Chancellor, the Executive Council meeting was declared postponed.

When Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh arrived for the EC meeting; teachers and non-teaching staff protested by raising slogans against the Executive Council (EC). The university campus, echoing with slogans of "Employee Unity Zindabad," appeared divided over the issue of promotions and the EC meeting. One group of teachers shouted slogans against the VC and demanded the meeting be postponed. Meanwhile, another group supported the meeting. Those in favor of the EC said that the promotions of approximately 100 university teachers have been stalled for several years. If this EC meeting is not held, these promotions will be stalled, making the EC meeting crucial.