The Allahabad High Court has upheld the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), dismissing petitions that challenged the selection process. This landmark decision, delivered on Saturday, May 17, 2025, by a Division Bench comprising Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Donadi Ramesh, affirms the legality, fairness, and procedural integrity of Professor Khatoon's appointment as the first woman to hold the position in the university's history of over 100 years.

The court found that the selection process fully adhered to the AMU Act, statutes, and regulations. The High Court emphasized the importance of this "historic appointment," calling it a "major stride for gender representation and constitutional values in academic leadership." The court recognized that the final decision to appoint the VC rested with the President of India and that no evidence of misconduct was found at that level. The court also stated that Professor Khatoon's qualifications were not in question and that her appointment, approved by the highest constitutional authority, deserved respect.

The petitions challenging Professor Khatoon's appointment were filed in late 2023 by Prof Syed Afzal Murtaza Rizvi of Jamia Millia Islamia, Mujahid Beg from AMU's medicine department, and retired AMU professor MU Rabbani. They raised concerns about the shortlisting process, particularly since Professor Khatoon is the wife of the then-acting VC, Mohd Gulrez.

The petitioners alleged bias because Professor Gulrez presided over Executive Council and University Court meetings where his wife's name was discussed. The court dismissed these concerns, stating that Professor Gulrez's role was limited and did not invalidate the selection process's democratic nature. The court noted that the mere fact that her husband was acting as Vice-Chancellor and participated in the meetings could not be a ground to interfere with her appointment as the first woman Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Khatoon described the verdict as "not just a personal vindication" but also "a strong reaffirmation of institutional processes and democratic values" in higher education. She expressed confidence that the judgment would inspire all stakeholders and reaffirm their shared mission to uphold the university's legacy of knowledge, justice, and progress.

AMU Proctor Mohammad Waseem emphasized that the court's judgment underscored that Professor Khatoon's qualifications were undisputed and that her appointment, approved by the highest constitutional authority, deserved respect and recognition.