From correspondents in Delhi, India, 09:31 PM IST

The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notices to Delhi University and the governing body of the St. Stephens college on a petition filed by a former teacher seeking directions for appointment of a full-time principal.

A division bench headed by Justices Siddharth Mridul and Manmohan asked them to reply by July 10 explaining why there was delay in the appointment.

The bench was hearing a public interest petition filed by R.K. Malhan, a former faculty member of the college, through his counsel Sachin Datta.

Datta contended before the bench that the institution is running without a head even as the admission procedure for the new academic session started this week. There is an apprehension of irregularities in admission due to the absence of a full-time principal.

The college's Supreme Council has appointed vice principal M.S. Frank as pro-tem administrator after Valson Thampu resigned from the post of Officer on Special Duty and officiating principal in March.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)