The Tamil University Act, 1982

1 An Act to provide for the establishment and incorporation of Tamil University at Thanjavur. WHEREAS it is expedient that a University should be formed exclusively for the Tamil language which has a glorious and ancient literary and cultural tradition and heritage and whose con- tribution in the areas of Prose, Poetry, Drama, Dance, Sculpture, Paintings, Medicines; Philosophy and other allied areas is far more extensive than has been realised by the Indian Scholars till today; AND WHEREAS it is desirable to establish a University of unitary type for furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research in Tamil; 2 CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and commencement. -- (1) This Act may be called the Tamil University Act, 1982, (2) This section and sections 2, 3,4,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, '14." 15, 17,35,43,44,45 and 49 shall be deemed to have come into force on the 15th gay of September 1981 and the rest of this Act shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification, appoint. 2. Definitions. -- In this Act, unless the context-otherwise re- quires, -- (a) "Government" means the State Government; (b) "hostel" means a unit of residence for the students of the University maintained or recognised by the University in accordance with the provisions of this Act and includes a hostel recognised as such by the University under this Act; (c) "notified date" means the date specified in the notification issued under sub-section (2) of section 1; (d) "prescribed" means prescribed by this Act. or the statutes: 3 (e) "statutes" means the statutes of the University made under this Act; (t) "teachers" means Professors, Readers, Lecturers and other like persons as may be declared by the statutes to be teachers; (g) "University" means the Tamil University established under section 3.; (h) "University Grants Commission" means the Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (Central Act 3 of 1956); (i) "University library" means a library maintained by the University, whether instituted by it or not. 4 CHAPTER-II THE UNIVERSITY 3. Establishment 'of the University. -- (1) For furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research in Tamil there shall be established a University by the name "The Tamil University" (2) The University shall be a body corporate, shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall. sue and be sued by the said name. (3 ) The University shall be of the unitary type. (4) The University may establish or recognise institutions or centres in Tamil Nadu or in other States or in other Countries for the purpose of furthering the objects of the University, with the prior approval of the Government concerned and the University concerned. (5) The headquarters of the University shall be located within the limits of the Thanjavur Municipality or in any place within a radius of twenty-five kilometers around those limits. 4. The objects of the University. --The University shall have the following objects, namely:- 5 (1) to function as a high-level research centre in Tamil language and literature; (2) to impart training to those residing within and beyond India who desire to study Tamil Language and literature (3) to facilitate and regulate advanced study and research in fields like Art, Culture, Music, Stage plays, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Grammar, Linguistics, History, Religion, Philosophy, Geography, Soil Sciences, Astronomy, Navigation and Shipping, Astrology, Siddha Medicine, Engineering Sciences and Handicrafts that have developed on the basis of the Tamil language and literature; {4) to translate books in other languages into Tamil according to the needs in consonance with the objectives of the University and also to translate books in Tamil into other languages; (5) to preserve and publish palm-leaf manuscripts and rare ancient books; (6) to search for and compile epigraphs relating to Tamil language and literature, Tamil Culture and History of the Tamils and publish them with its findings based on research; (7) to compile. and publish Tamil words,. expressions, colloquial terms, words peculiar to Industries and Agriculture, which are used by the Tamils in Tamil Nadu and .in other parts of India and in other countries where the Tamils live; 6 (8) to provide for research in Tamil language and literature in the ancient times with an eye on future scientific developments; (9) to provide for research and determine the procedures regarding development of Tamil language and literature embodying in itself ~ll the educational fields existing in the developing world and evolving suitable approach therefore; (10) to institute studies in Tamil language and literature in relation to other Indian Cultures; and (11) to organise advanced studies and research programmes, based on a deep understanding of the trends in Tamil language and literature. 4.A. The powers of the University. -- The University shall have the following powers, namely:- (1) to institute degrees, titles, diploma and other academic distinctions; (2) to confer degrees, titles, diploma and other academic distinctions on persons who shall have carried out research in the University or in any other institution or centre rccognised by the University under conditions prescribed. Explanation - For the purpose of this clause and other provisions of this Act, institution or centre recognised by the University shall mean an institution or a centre situated in India or in other countries, recognised by the University for the purpose of furthering the objects of the University; 7 (3) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions in the prescribed. manner and under conditions prescribed; (4) to supervise and control hostels and to regulate and enforce discipline among the students of the University and to make arrangements for promoting "their health and general welfare; (5) to prescribe conditions under which the award of any degree, title, diploma and other academic distinctions to persons may be withheld; (6) to co-operate with any other University, authority or association or any other public or private body having in view the promotion of purposes and objects similar to those of the University for such purposes as may be agreed upon, on such terms and conditions, as may, from time to time, be prescribed; (7) to establish and maintain University libraries, research stations, museums for research and publication bureau; (8) to institute research posts and to appoint persons to such posts; (9) to institute and award fellowships, including travelling fellowships, scholarships, medals and prizes in the manner prescribed; (l0) to establish, maintain or recognise hostels for students of the University and residential accommodation for the staff of the University and to withdraw any such recognition; 8 (11) to fix fees and to demand and receive such fees as may be prescribed; (12) to hold and manage endowments and other properties and funds of the University; (13) to borrow money with the approval of the Government on the security of the property of the University for the purposes of the University; (14) to enter into agreement with other bodies or persons for . the purpose of promoting the objectives of the University. Including the assuming of the management of any Institution under them and the taking over of its rights and liabilities; and (15) to do all such acts and things, whether incidental to the objects mentioned in section 4 and the powers afore- said o~ not, as may be necessary or desirable to further the objects of the University. 5. Admission to the University, - (1) The University shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the statutes, be open to all persons irrespective of their religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. (2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall require the University, -- (a) to admit to any course of study any person who does not possess the prescribed academic qualification or standard; 9 (b) to retain on the rolls of the University any student whose academic record is below the minimum standard required for the award of a degree, title, diploma or other academic distinction; or (c) to admit any person or retain any student whose conduct is prejudicial to the interests of the University or the rights and privileges of other students and teachers. 6. Disqualification for membership. -- (1) No person shall be qualified for election or nomination as a member of any of the authorities of the University if, on the date of such election or nomination, he is -- (a) of unsound mind, deaf-mute or suffering from leprosy, or (b) an applicant to be adjudicated as insolvent or an undercharged insolvent, or (c) sentenced by a criminal court to imprisonment for any offence involving moral turpitude. (2) In case of dispute or doubt as to whether a person is disqualified under sub-section (1), the - Syndicate .shall refer such case to the Chancellor whose decision shall be final. 7. Disqualification for election or nomination to Senate and Syndicate in certain cases. -- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 18 or 21 no person who has held office as a member for a total period of six years in anyone or both of the following authorities namely:- 10 (i) the Senate, and (ii) the Syndicate shall be eligible for election or nomination to any of the said two authorities. Explanation I - For the purpose of this sub-section, the expression "period" shall include the period of office held by any person prior to. the date of the publication of the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Second Amendment) Act 1991, in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette. Explanation II -For the purpose of computing the total period of six years referred to in this sub-section, the period of three years during which a person held office in one authority either by election or by nomination and the period of three years during which he held office in another authority either by election or by nomination shall be taken into account and accordingly such person shall not be eligible for election or nomination to anyone of the said two authorities: Provided that for the purpose of this sub-section, a person who has held office for a period not less than one year in anyone of the said two authorities in-a casual vacancy shall be deemed to have held office for a period of three years in that authority. Provided further that for the purpose of this sub section, if a person was elected or nominated to one authority and such person became a member of another authority by virtue of the membership in the first mentioned 11 authority, the period for which he held office in the first mentioned authority alone shall be taken into account. (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall have application in respect of -- (i) ex-officio members referred to in section 18(a), Class I but not including members of the Syndicate who are not otherwise members of the Senate referred to in item (9): and (ii) ex-officio members referred to in section 21 (b), Class I. 8. Visitation.-- (1) The Chancellor shall have the right to cause an inspection or inquiry to be made, by such person or persons as he may direct! of the University, its buildings, University libraries, museums and equipments, and of any institutions maintained or recognised by the University and also of the research, teaching and other work conducted or done by the University, and to cause an inquiry to be made in respect of any matter connected with the University. The Chancellor shall in every case give notice to the University of his intention to cause such inspection or inquiry to be made and the University shall be entitled to be represented thereat. . (2) The Chancellor shall communicate to the Syndicate his views with reference to the results of such inspection or inquiry and may after ascertaining the opinion of the Syndicate thereon. Advice the University upon the action to be taken and fix a time limit for taking such action. 12 (3) The Syndicate shall report to the Chancellor the action, If any, which IS proposed to be taken. or has been taken upon the results of such inspection or inquiry. Such report shall be submitted within such time as the Chancellor may direct. (4) Where the Syndicate does not take action to the satisfaction of the Chancellor, within the time limit as may be fixed under sub-section (2), the Chancellor after considering any explanation furnished representation made by the Syndicate, issue such direction as he may think fit and the Syndicate shall comply with such directions. In the event of the Syndicate not complying with such directions within such time as may be fixed in that behalf by the Chancellor, have power to appoint any person or body to comply with such directions and make such orders as may be necessary for the thereof. 9. Officers of the University:- 1) The Chancellor 2) The Pro Chancellor 3) The Vice Chancellor 4) The Dean of the Faculties 5) The Registrar 6) The Finance Officer. and 13 7) Such the persons as may be declared by the statutes to be officers of the University 10. The Chancellor:- (1) The Governor of Tamil Nadu shall be the Chancellor of the University. He shall, by virtue of his office, be the bead of the University and shall, when present, preside at any convocation of the University and confer degrees, titles, diploma or other academic distinctions upon persons entitled to receive them. (2) Where power is conferred upon the Chancellor to nominate persons to the authorities, the Chancellor shall to the extent necessary, nominate persons to represent interests not otherwise adequately represented. (3) The Chancellor may of his own motion or on application call for and examine the record of any officer or authority of the University in respect of any proceeding to satisfy himself as to the regularity of such proceeding or the correctness, legality or propriety of any decision taken or order passed therein; and, if, in any case it appears to the Chancellor that any such decision or order should be modified, annulled, reversed or remitted for reconsideration for the reason that such decision or order is not in conformity with the provisions of this Act or the statutes, he may pass order accordingly. Provided that every application to the Chancellor for the exercise of the powers under this section shall be preferred within three months from the date on which . the proceedings, directions or order to which application relate was communicated to the applicant: 14 Provided further that no order prejudicial to any person shall be passed unless such person has been given an opportunity of making his representation, ('4) The Chanceellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred on him by or under this Act 11. The Pro-Chancellor.- (1) The Minister in charge of the portfolio of Education in the State of Tamil Nadu shall be the Pro-Chancellor of the University. (2) Omitted. (3) The Pro-Chancellor shall exercises such powers and per- form such duties as may be conferred on him by or under this Act 12. 'I'he Vice Chancellor. -- (1)(a) Every appointment of the Vice-Chancellor shall be made by the Chancellor from out of a panel of three names recommended by the Committee referred to in sub-section (2). Such panel shall not contain the name of any member of the said Committee. (1)(b) Provided that if the Chancellor does not approve any of the persons in the panel so recommended by the Committee. he may take steps to constitute another Committee, in accordance with sub-section.(2). to give a fresh panel of three different names and shall appoint one of the persons named in the fresh panel as the Vice Chancellor. 15 (2) For the purpose of sub-section (1), the Committee shall consist of five persons of whom one shall be nominated by the Chancellor, one shall be nominated by the Government, one shall be nominated by the Senate and two shall be nominated by the Syndicate: Provided that, -- (a) the person so nominated shall not be a member of any of the authorities of the University;- (b) the person so nominated by the Chancellor shall convene the meetings of the Committee. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a further period of three years; Provided that no person shall hold office of the Vice- Chancellor for more than six years in the aggregate: Provided further that,-- (a) the Chancellor may direct that a Vice-Chancellor, whose term of office has expired, shall continue in office for such period, not exceeding a total period of one year, as may be specified in the direction; (b) the Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his hand ad- dressed to the Chancellor and after giving two months notice, resign his office: Provided also that a person appointed as Vice-Chancellor shall retire from office, if, during the term of his office or any extension thereof, he completes the age of Seventy Years. 16 (4) When any temporary vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor or when the Vice-Chancellor is, by reason of absence or for any other reason, unable to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, the senior most Professor of the University shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice- Chancellor' till the' Syndicate, with the approval of the Chancellor, makes the requisite arrangements for exercising the powers and performing the duties of the Vice-Chancellor. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall be whole-time officer of the University and his emoluments and other terms and conditions of service shall be as follows:-. (I) There shall be paid to the Vice-Chancellor a salary of three thousand rupees per mensem and he shall be entitled, without payment of rent, to the use of a furnished . residence throughout his term of office and no charge shall fall on the Vice-Chancellor personally in respect of the maintenance of such residence. (ii) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to such terminal benefits and allowances as may.be fixed by the syndicate with the approval of the Chancellor from time to time; Provided that where an employee of, - (a) the University; or (b) any other University or college or institution maintained by, or appointed to, that University; is appointed as Vice- 17 Chancellor, he shall be allowed to continue to contribute to the provident Fund to-Which he is a subscriber, and the contribution of the University shall be limited to what he had been contributing immediately before his appointment as Vice- Chancellor; (iii) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to travelling allowances at such rates as may be fixed by the Syndicate; (iv) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to earned leave on full pay at one-eleventh of the period spent by him on active service: Provided that when the earned leave applied for by the Vice-Chancellor in sufficient time before the date of expiry of the term of his office is 'refused by the Chancellor in the interest of the University and if he does' not avail himself of the leave before the date of expiry of the term of his office, he shall be entitled to draw cash equivalent to leave salary after relinguishment of his office in respect of earned leave at his credit subject to a maximum of one hundred and eighty days, (v) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled on medical grounds or otherwise, to leave without pay for a ~nod not exceeding three months during the term of his office: Provided that such leave may be converted into leave on full pay to the extent to which he is entitled to earned leave under clause(iv). 18 13. Powers and duties of the Vice-Chancellor.-- (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the academic head and the principal executive officer of the University and shall, in the absence of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, preside at any convocation of the University and confer degrees, titles, diploma or other" academic dis- tinctions upon persons entitled to receive them. He shall be a member, ex-officio and Chairman" of the Senate, the Syndicate and the Finance Committee and shall be entitled to be present at and to 'address, any meeting of any authority of the University but shall not be entitled to vote thereat unless he is a member of the authority concerned. (2) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor-to ensure that the provision of this Act, and the statutes ere observed and carried out and he may exercise all powers necessary for this purpose. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to convene meet- ings of the Senate, the Syndicate and the Finance- Committee. (4) (a) The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to take ac- tion on any' matter and shall by order take such action as he may deem necessary but shall, as soon as may be, thereafter report the action taken: to the officer or au- thority or body who or which would have ordinarily dealt with the matter: Provided that no such order shall be passed unless the person likely to be affected, has been given a reason- able opportunity of being heard; 19 (b) When action taken by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section affects any person in the service of the University. such person shall be entitled to prefer an appeal to the Syndicate within thirty days from the date on which he has notice of such action. The Vice-Chancellor shall give effect to the order passed by the Syndicate on such appeal. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall give effect to the orders of the Syndicate regarding the appointment, suspension and dismissal of the teachers and other employees of the University. (6) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise control over the affairs of the University and shall be responsible for the due maintenance of discipline in the University. (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed. 14. The Registrar.-- (1) The Registrar shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University appointed by the Syndicate and the terms and conditions of service of the Registrar shall be as follows:- (a) The holder of the post of Registrar shall be an academi- cian not lower in rank that that of Professor of a college affiliated to any University; (b) The Registrar shall hold office for a period of three years: Provided that the Registrar shall retire on attaining the 20 age of fifty-eight years or on the expiry of the period specified in this clause, whichever is earlier; (c) The emoluments and other terms and conditions of ser- vice of the Registrar shall be such as may be prescribed; (d) When the office of the Registrar is vacant, or when the Registrar is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office of the Registrar shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (2)(a) The Registrar shall have power to take disciplinary ac- tion against such of the employees, excluding teach- ers of the University and academic staff, as may be specified in the order's of the Syndicate and to sus pend them pending inquiry to administer warnings to them or to impose on them the penalty of censure or withholding of increments: Provided that no such penalty shall be imposed unless the person concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken in regard to him; (b) An appeal shall lie to the Vice-Chancellor against any order of the Registrar imposing any of the penalties specified in clause(a); (c) In any case where the inquiry discloses that punishment beyond the powers of the Registrar is called for, the Registrar shall, upon conclusion of the inquiry, make a report to the Vice-Chancellor along with his recommendation: 21 Provided that ID appeal shall lie to the Syndicate against ID order of the Vice-Chancellor imposing any penalty; (d) No appeal under clause (h) or clause (c) shall be pre- ferred after the expiry of sixty days from the date on which the order appealed against was received by the appellant (3) The Registrar shall be the ex-officio Secretary of the Senate, the Syndicate, the Faculties and the Boards of Studies. but shall not be deemed to be a member of any of these authorities. (4) It shall be the duty of the Registrar,- (a) to be the custodian of the records. the common shall and such other property of the University as the Syndicate shall 'Commit to his charge; (b) to issue all notice a convening meetings of the Senate, the Syndicate. the Faculties, the Board of Studies and of any Committee appointed by the authorities of the University; (c) to keep the minutes of all the proceedings of the meet- ing of the Senate, Syndicate, the Faculties, the Boards of Studies and of any committee appointed by the au- thorities of the University; (d) to Conduct the official correspondence of the Syndicate;' (e) to supply to the Chancellor, copies of the agenda of the meetings of the authorities of the University as soon they are issued and the minutes of the proceedings of such meetings; and 22 (f) to exercise such other powers and perform such ,other duties as may be specified in the statutes or as may be required, from time to time, by the Syndicate or the Vice- Chancellor. (5) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar and all processes in such suits and proceedings shah be issued to, and served on the Registrar. 15. The Finance Officer.-- (1) The Finance Officer shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University appointed by the Syndicate for such period as may be specified by the Syndicate in this behalf. (2) Every appointment of the Finance Officer shall be made by the Syndicate from out of'. a panel of three names recommended by .the Government. (3) The emoluments and other terms and conditions of service. of the Finance Officer shall be such as may be prescribed. The Finance Officer shall retire on attaining the age of fifty-eight years or on the expiry of the period specified by the Syndicate under sub-section (1) whichever is earlier: Provided that the Finance Officer shall, not-withstand- ing his attaining the age of fifty-eight years, continue in office until his successor is appointed and enters upon his .office or until the expiry of a period of one year, whichever is earlier. 23 (4) When the office of the Finance Officer is vacant or when the Finance Officer is by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the Finance Officer shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (5) The Finance Officer shall be the ex-officio Secretary of the Finance Committee, but shall not be deemed to be a member of such Committee. (6) The Finance Officer Shall,-- (a) exercise general supervision over the funds of the University and shall advise the University as regards its financial policy; and . (b ) exercise such other powers and perform such other financial functions as may be assigned to him by- the Syndicate or as may be prescribed: Provided that the Finance Officer shall not incur any expenditure or make any investment exceeding such' amount as may be prescribed without the previous approval of the Syndicate. (7) Subject to the control of the syndicate the Finance Officer shall, (a) hold and manage the property and investments of die University including trust and endowed property; (b) ensure that the limits fixed by the Syndicate for recurring and non-recurring expenditure for a year ,are not exceeded and that all moneys are expended on the purposes for which they are granted or allotted; 24 (c) be responsible for the preparation of annual accounts, financial estimate and the budget of the University and for their presentation to the Syndicate; (d) to keep a constant watch on the cash and bank balances and of investments; (e) watch the progress of the collection of revenue and advise on the methods of collection employed; f) ensure that the registers of buildings, land, furniture and equipment are maintained up-to-date, and that stock-checking is conducted of equipments and other consumable materials in all offices and other places maintained by the University; (g) bring to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor any unauthorised expenditure or other financial irregularity and suggest appropriate action to be taken against persons at fault; and (h) call from any office or other place maintained by the University, any information .or returns that 'he may consider necessary for the performance of his duties. (8) The receipt of the Finance Officer or of the person or persons duly authorised in this behalf by the Syndicate for any money payable to the University shall be suffi- cient discharge for payment of such money. 16. Authorities of the University.-- The authorities of the University shall be the Senate, the Syn- dicate, the Faculties, the Finance Committee, the Planning Board, the Boards of Studies and such other authorities as may be declared by the statutes to.be authorities of the Uni- versity. 25 16.A. The Planning Board.-- (1) There shall be constituted a Planning Board of the University; which shall advise generally on the Planning and development of the University and keep under review the standard of education and research in the University. (2) The Planning Board shall consist of the following members namely:- (i) the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Chairman of the Board; and (ii) not more than eight persons of high academic standing. (3) The members of the Planning Board shall be appointed by the Chancellor and shall hold office for such period as he may determine. (4) The Planning Board shall, in addition to all other powers vested in it by this Act, have the right to advise he Syndicate on any academic matter. 17. Vice-Chancellor and other officers, etc., to be public servants.-- The Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Finance Officer and other employees of the University shall be deemed when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act to be public servants within the mean- ing of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (Central Act XLV of 1860). 26 CHAPTER III THE SENATE 18. The Senate. (a) The Senate shall consist of the following persons, namely:- Class 1-- Ex-Officio Members (1) the Chancellor; (2) the Pro-Chancellor; (3) the Vice-Chancellor; (4) the Secretary to Government in-charge of Education; (5) the Secretary to Government in-charge of Finance; (6) the Director of Tamil Development; (7) the Director of International Institute of Tamil Studies; (8) Heads of University Departments of Study and Research; (9) Member of the Syndicate who are not otherwise members of the Senate. Class II -- Other Members (1) Two members elected by the Members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from among themselves and 27 one member elected by the Members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council from among themselves; (2) Two members representing the institution recognised by the University to be nominated by the Chancellor; (3) Three members from among the Academic Experts to be nominated by the Chancellor; (4) Three members nominated by the Pro-Chancellor of whom not less than two shall-be nominated to secure the representation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes not otherwise adequately represented; (5) One member elected from among themselves by the members of the Madurai Tamil Sangam; (6) One member elected from among themselves by the members of the Thanjavur Karanthai Tamil Sangam. (b) In case the Secretary to Government in-charge of Education or the Secretary to Government, in-charge of Finance is unable to attend the meeting of the Senate for any reason he may depute any officer of his Department not lower in rank than that of a Deputy Secretary to Government to attend the meetings. Provided that a member of the senate who is elected or nominated in his capacity as, a member of a particular electorate or body, or the holder of a particular appointment, shall cease to be a member of the Senate from the date on which he ceases to be, a member of that electorate or body, or the holder of that appointment, as the case may be: 28 (c) (i) Save as otherwise provided, elected and nominated members of the Senate shall hold office for a period of three years and such members shall be eligible for election or nomination for not more than another period of three years. (ii) Where a member is elected or nominated to the Senate to a casual vacancy, the period of office held for not less than One year by any such member shall be construed as a full period of three years for the purpose of this clause. Explanation - For the purpose of this clause, the expression "period" shall include the period of office held by any person prior to the date of the publication of the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Second Amendment) Act.1991 in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette. Provided further that where an elected or nominated member of the Senate is appointed temporarily to any of the offices by virtue of which he is entitled to be a member of the Senate ex-officio, he shall, by notice in writing signed by him and communicated to the Vice- Chancellor within seven days from the date of his taking charge of his appointment choose whether he will continue to be a member of the Senate by virtue of his election or nomination or whether he will vacate office as such member and become a member ex-officio by virtue of his appointment and the choice shall be conclusive. On failure to make such choice, he shall be deemed to have vacated his office as an elected or nominated member. (d) When a person ceases to be a member of the Senate, he 29 shall cease to be a member of any of the authorities of the University of which he may happen to be a member by virtue of his membership of the Senate. 19. Senate to review the broad policies and programmes of the University.-- Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Senate shall have the following powers and functions, namely:- (a) to review from time to time the broad policies and programmes of the University and to suggest measures for the improvement and development of the Univer- sity; (b) to advise the Chancellor in respect of any matter which may be referred to it for advice; arid (c) to exert such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the statutes. 20. Meetings of the Senate. (1) The Senate shall meet at least twice in every year on dates to be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor. One of such meetings shall be called the annual meeting. The Senate may also meet at such other times as it may, from time to time determine. (2) One-third of the total strength. of the members of the Senate shall be the quorum required for a meeting of the Senate: Provided that such quorum shall not be required a 30 convocation of the University or a meeting of the senate held for the purpose of conferring degrees, titles: diploma or other academic distinctions. (3) The Vice-Chancellor may whenever he thinks fit, and shall upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than fifty percent of the total members of the Senate convene a special meeting of the Senate. 31 CHAPTER IV THE SYNDICATE 21. The Syndicate.« ( a) The Chancellor shall, as soon as may be after the first V ic Chancellor is appointed under section 43 constitute the Syndicate. (b) The Syndicate shall, in addition to the Vice-Chancellor, consist of the following members, namely:- Class I -- Ex-officio Members. (1) The Secretary to Government in-charge of Education; (2) The Secretary to Government in-charge of Finance; (2.A) The Secretary to Government in-charge of Health and Family Welfare; (2.A.A:") The Secretary to Government in-charge of Tamil De- velopment-culture; (Vide T.N.G.G. Part IV. Section I dated 18.11.1986) 3. The Director of Tamil Development; 4. The Director of International Institute of Tamil Studies, 32 5. Three member from among the Deans of the University nominated by rotation in the order of seniority. CLASS II -- Other Members.-- 1. Two members elected by the members of the Senate from among themselves; Provided that the member so elected shall not be an employee of the University or 'any institution or centre recognised by the University; 2. Two members from among the Academic - Experts of whom one shall be nominated by the Chancellor and one shall be nominated by the Pro-Chancellor. c. The Vice-Chancellor shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Syndicate. d. In case the Secretary to Government in-charge of Education or the Secretary to Government in-charge of Finance or the Secretary to Government in-charge of Health and Family Welfare or the Secretary to Govern- ment in-charge of Tamil Development - Culture is unable to attend the meetings of the Syndicate for any reason, he may depute any officer of his department not lower in rank than that of a Deputy Secretary to Government to attend the meetings. (Vide TNGG. Part IV Section I. dated 18.11.1986) e. (i). Save as otherwise provided, elected and nominated members of the Syndicate shall hold office for a period of three years and such members shall be eligible for election or nomination for not more than another period of three years. 33 (ii) Where a member is elected or nominated to the Syndicate to a casual vacancy, the period of office held for not less than one year by any such member shall be construed as a full period of three years for the purpose of this clause. Explanation - For the purpose of this clause, the expression "period" shall include the period of office held by any person prior to the date of the publication of the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Second Amendmen) Act 1991, in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette. Provided that a member of the Syndicate who is elected or nominated in his capacity as, a member of a particu- lar electorate or body, or the holder of a particular ap- pointment, shall cease to be a member of the Syndicate from the date on which he ceases to be, a member of that electorate or body, or the holder of that appoint- ment, as the case may be: Provided further that where an elected or nominated member of the Syndicate is appointed temporarily to any of the office by virtue of which he is entitled to be a member of the Syndicate ex-officio he shall, by notice in writing signed by him and communicated to the Vice- Chancellor within seven days from the date of his tak- ing charge of his appointment, choose whether he will continue to be member of the Syndicate by virtue of his election or nomination or whether he will vacate office as such member and become a member ex-officio by virtue of his appointment and the choice shall b conclusive. On failure to make such choice, he deemed to have vacated his office as an elected or nominated member. Provided that nothing contained in this clause shall pre- clude any member from drawing his normal emoluments _ (7) to which he is entitled by virtue of the office he holds, 34 (f) When a person ceases to be a member of the Syndicate, he shall cease to be a member of any of the authorities of the University of which he may happen to be a member by virtue of his membership of the Syndicate, (g) The members of the Syndicate shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration from the University except such daily and travelling allowances as may be prescribed; (h) A member of the Syndicate, other than ex-officio mem- ber, mnay tender resignation of his membership at any time before the term of his office expires, Such resigna- tion shall be conveyed to the Chancellor by a letter in writing by the member, and the resignation shall take effect from the date of its acceptance by the Chancellor, 22. Powers of the Syndicate.-- The Syndicate shall have the following powers, namely:- (1) to make statutes and amend or repeal the statutes; (2) to co-operate with other Universities, other academic authorities and colleges in such manner and for such purposes as it may determine; (3) to provide for research and advancement and dissemi nation of knowledge in Tamil language and literature; 35 (4) to institute lecturer ships, readerships, professorships and any other teaching or research posts required by the Uni- versity; (5) to institute degrees, titles, diploma and other academic distinctions; (6) to confer degrees, titles, diploma and other academic distinctions -on persons who shall have carried pn re- search under conditions prescribed; (7) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions on the recommendation of not less than two-thirds of the mem- bers of the Syndicate; (8) to establish and maintain halls and hostels; (9) to institute fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholar- ships, studentships, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes and to award the same' in accordance with the statutes; (10) to consider and take such action as it may deem fit on the annual report, the annual accounts and the financial estimates; (11) to institute a publication bureau and to maintain it; (12) to enter into any agreement with the Central or any State Government or with a private management for assum- ing the management of any institution and for taking over its properties and liabilities or for any other pur- poses not repugnant to the provisions of this Act; 36 (13) to make statutes regulating the method of election to the authorities of the University .and the procedure at the meeting of the Senate, Syndicate and other authorities of the University and the quorum of members required for the transaction of business by the authorities of the University other than 'the Senate; (14) to hold, control and administer the properties and funds of the University; (15) to direct the form, custody and use of the common seal of the University; (16) to regulate and determine all matters concerning the University "in accordance with this Act and the statutes; (17) to administer all properties and' all funds placed at the disposal of the University for specific purposes; (18) (a) to appoint the University Lecturers, University Readers, University Professors, University Researchers and the teachers of the University, fix their emoluments, if any. define their duties and the conditions of their services and provide for filling up of temporary vacancies; (b) to make statutes specifying the mode of appointment of administrative and other similar posts and fix their emoluments, if any, define their duties and the conditions of their services and provide for filling up of temporary vacancies; (19) to suspend and dismiss the University Lecturers, Uni- versity Readers, University Professors, University Researchers and the teachers and other employees of the University; 37 (20) to accept, on behalf of the University endowments, be- quests, donations, grants and transfers of any movable and immovable properties made to it; Provided that all such endowments. bequests, donations. grants and transfers shall be reported to the Senate at its next meeting. (21) (a) to-raise, on behalf of the University, loans from the Central or any State Government or the public or any corporation owned or controlled by the Central or any State Government; (b) to borrow money with the approval of the Government on the security of the property of the University for the purposes of the University; (22) to recognise hostels not maintained by the University and 'to suspend or withdraw recognition of any hostel which is not conducted in accordance with the statutes and the conditions imposed there under; (23) to arrange for, and direct, the inspection of hostels; (24) to prescribe the qualifications of teachers; (25) to charge and collect such fees as may be prescribed; (26) to make statutes regarding the admission of students to the University; (27) to appoint members to the Boards of Studies; (28)(a) to appoint examiners, after consideration of the recommendation of the Boards of Studies ; and 38 (b) to fix their remuneration' (29) to supervise and control the residence and discipline of the students of the University and make arrangements for securing their health and well being; (30) to institute and manage Libraries, Museums, Institutes of research and other institutions established or main- tained by the University; (31) to manage hostels instituted by the University; (32) to manage any publication bureau instituted by the Uni- versity; (33) to promote research within the University and to require reports, from time to time, of such research; (34) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed on it by this Act, or the statutes; and (35) to delegate any of its powers to the Vice-Chancellor to a Committee from among its own members or to a com- mittee appointed in accordance with the statutes. 23. Meetings of the Syndicate. -- (1) The Syndicate shall meet at such times and places and shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (2) and (3) observe such rules of procedure in regard to trans- action of business ·at its meeting including the quorum at meetings as may be prescribed; 39 Provided that the Syndicate shall meet atleast once in every three months. (2) The Vice-Chancellor or in his absence any member cho- sen by the members present. shall preside at a meeting of the Syndicate. (3) All questions at any meeting of the syndicate shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting and in the case of an equality of votes the Vice-Chancellor or the member presiding, as the case may be. shall have and exercise a second or cast- ing vote. (4)( a) The Syndicate may. for the purpose of consultation in- vite any person having special knowledge or practical experience in any subject under consideration attend to any meeting. Such person may speak in. any otherwise take part in the proceedings of meeting but shall not ~ entitled to vote; (b) The person so invited shall be entitled to such daily and travelling allowances as are admissible to a member .u the Syndicate. 24. Annual Report-- (1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared by the Syndicate and shall be submitted to the Senate on or before such date as may be prescribed by the Stat- utes and shall be considered by the Senate at its next annual meeting· The Senate may pass resolutions thereon and communicate the same to the Syndicate which shall take action in accordance therewith. The 40 Syndicate shall inform the Senate of the action taken by it. A copy of the report with a copy of the resolutions thereon, if any, of the Senate shall be submitted to the Chancellor and to the Government. (2) On receipt of a copy of the annual report, the Govern- ment shall cause a copy of such report together with their comments thereon to be laid before the Legislative Assembly. 25. Annual accounts.-- (1) The annual accounts of the University shall be submit- ted to such examination and audit as the Government may direct. (2) The University shall settle objections raised in such au- dit and carry out such instructions as may be issued by the Government on the audit report. , (3) The accounts when audited shall be published by the Syndicate in such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes and copies thereof shall be submitted to the Senate at its next meeting and to the Chancellor and to the Government within three months of such publication. (4) The Government shall cause the annual accounts and the audit report together with their comments to be laid before the Legislative Assembly. 41 CHAPTER V THE FACULTIES, THE BOARDS OF STUDIES, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND OTHER AUTHORITIES 26.

Constitution and fuictions of Faculties.-- (1) The University shall include Faculties of Arts, Manuscriptology, Developing Tamil, Languages and Sci- ence and such other Faculties as may be prescribed by the statutes .. (2) The constitution and functions of the ' Faculties shall, in all other respects, be such as may be prescribed. (3) Each Faculty shall comprise such departments of teaching and research as may be specified in the statutes 27. The Boards of Studies.-- There shall be Boards of Studies attached to each Department of teaching and research. The constitution and powers of the Boards of Studies shall be such as may be prescribed by the statutes. 28. Constitution of other authorities.-- The constitution of such other bodies as may be declared by the statutes to be authorities of the University shall be provided for in the manner prescribed. 42 29. Finance Committee.-- (1) The Finance Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:- (a) The Vice-Chancellor; (b) The Secretary to Government in-charge of Finance; (c) The Secretary to Government in-charge of Education; (d) Three members nominated by the Syndicate from among its members of whom one shall be a Professor and one shall be a person nominated to the Syndicate by the Chancellor. (2) If for any reason the officer referred to in clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section( 1) is unable to attend any meet- ing of the Finance Committee, he may depute any of- ficer of his Department not lower in rank than that of a Deputy Secretary to Government to attend such meet- ing. The officer so deputed shall have the right to take put in the discussion of the committee and shall have the right to vote. (3) The Vice-Chancellor . shall be the ex-officio chairman and the Finance Officer shall be the ex-officio Secre- tary of the Finance Committee. (4) All members of the Finance Committee, other than ex- officio member shall hold office for a period of three years. 43 (5) The Finance Committee shall meet at least twice in every year to examine the accounts and to scrutinise proposals for expenditure. (6) The annual accounts of the University prepared by the Finance Officer shall be laid before the Finance Committee for consideration and comments and there- after submitted to the Syndicate for approval. (7) The Finance Committee shall recommend limits for the total recurring expenditure. and the non-recurring ex- penditure for the year based on the income and resources of the University, which, in the case of productive works may include the proceeds of loans. (8) The Finance Committee shall.-- (a) review the financial position of the University from time to time; (b) make recommendation to the Syndicate on every proposal involving investment or expenditure for which - no provision-has been made in the annual financial esti- mates or which involves expenditure in excess of the amount provided for in the annual financial estimates; (c) prescribe the methods and procedure and forms for maintaining the accounts of the University; (d) make recommendation to the Syndicate on all mat- ters relating to the .finances of the University; and (e) perform such other function as may be prescribed. 44 (9) The financial estimates of the University prepared by the Finance Officer shall be laid before the Finance· Committee for consideration and comments. The Said . estimates, as modified by the Finance Committee, shall then be laid before the Syndicate for consideration. The Syndicate may' accept the modifications made by the Finance Committee. 45 CHAPTER VI STATUTES 30. Statutes.-- Subject to the provisions of this Act, the statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:- (i) the holding of convocation to confer degrees; (ii) the conferment of honorary degrees and academic distinctions; (ill) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities of the University; (iv) the manner of filling vacancies among members of the authorities; (v) the allowances to be paid to the members of the authorities and committees thereof; (vi) the procedure at meetings of the authorities including the quorum for the transactions of business such meetings (vii) the authentication of the orders of decision or authorities; 46 (viii) the formation of departments of teaching and research at the University; (ix) the term of office, and methods of appointment and conditions of service of the officers of the University other than the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor; (x) the qualifications or the teachers and other persons 'em- ployed by the University; (xi) the classification, the method of appointment and deter- mination of the terms and conditions of service of teach- ers and other persons employed by the University; (xii) the institution of pension, gratuity, insurance or provi- dent fund for the benefit of the officers, teachers and other persons employed by the' University; (xiii) the institution of fellowships, travelling fellowships, , scholarships, studentships, bursaries exhibitions, med- als and prizes and the conditions of award thereof; (xiv) the establishment and maintenance of halls and hostels; (xv) the conditions for residence of students of the University in the halls and hostels maintained by the University and the levy of fees and other charges for such residence; (xvi) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or of ficers of the University; (xvii) the admission of the students to the University; 47 (xviii) the conditions of recognition of hostels not maintained by the University; (xix) the conditions and mode of appointment and duties of examining bodies and examiners; (xx) The maintenance of discipline among the students of the University; (xxi) the fees to be charged for research; (xxii) the procedure for arbitration in case of dispute be- tween employees or students of the University; (xxiii) the Procedure for appeals to the Syndicate by student against the action of any officer or authority of the University; (xxiv) the constitution, terms and references of the Griev- ances Committee for the employees and students of the University; (xxv) the participation of students and research scholars in the affairs of the University; (xxvi) the establishment and abolition of faculties and de- partments; (xxvii) the creation, composition and functions of any other body which is considered necessary for improving the academic life of the University; and (xxviii) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed by the statutes, 48 31. Statutes, how made.-- (1 ) Omitted. (2) The Syndicate may, from time to time make statutes and amend or repeal the statutes, in " the manner herein- after provided in this section. " (3) Any member of the Syndicate may propose to the Syn- dicate the draft of a statute and the. Syndicate may ei- ther accept or reject the draft. (4) A statute passed by the Syndicate shall be submitted to the Chancellor who may assent thereto or withhold his assent. A statute passed by' the Syndicate shall have no validity until it has been assented to by the Chancellor. 49 CHAPTER VII UNIVERSITY FUNDS 32. General Funds.-- The University shall have a General 'Fund to which shall be credited, -- (a) its income from fees, grants, donations and gifts, ifany; (b) any contribution or grant made by the Central Govern- ment, any State Government, the University Grants Commission or like authority, any local authority or any Corporation owned or controlled by the Government; and (c) endowments and other receipts. 50 CHAPTER VIII CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 33. Pension, gratuity, etc 1) The University shall institute for the benefit of its officers, teachers and other persons employed by the University, such pension, gratuity, insurance and provident fund as it may deem fit, in such manner and subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed. (2) Where the University has so instituted a Provident Fund under sub-section (1), the Government may declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (Central Act XIX of 1925), shall apply to such fund as if the University were a local authority and the fund a Government Provident Fund. (3) The University may, in consultation with the Finance Committee, invest the Provident Fund amount in such manner, as it may determine. 34. Conditions of service.-- Subject to the provisions of this Act, the appointment, procedure for selection, pay and allowances and other conditions-of service of officers, teachers and other persons 51 employed in the University shall be such as may be prescribed. Explanation. -- For the purposes of this section, the word "officers" shall not include the Chancellor and the Pro- Chancellor. 34. A. Selection Committees.-- (1) There shall be Selection Committees for making recommendations to the Syndicate for appointment to the posts of professor, Associate Professor, Reader, Lecturer, Researcher, Assistant Professor and Librarian of institutions maintained by the University. (2) The Selection Committees for appointment to the posts specified in column(1) of the Table below shall consist of the Vice-Chancellor, a nominee of the Chancellor, a nominee of the Government and the persons specified in the corresponding entry in column(2) of the said Table and in the case of appointment of a Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, Lecturer, Researcher or Assistant Professor in a department, where there is no head of the Department, shall also consist of a person nominated by the Syndicate from among its members:- TheTable (1) (2) Professor, Associate Professor or Reader (i) The Head of the Department concerned, if he is a Professor; (ii) A Dean or a Professor to be nomi- nated by the Vice-Chancellor; (iii) Three persons not in the service of the University, nominated by the Syndicate, for their special knowl- edge of, or interest in, the subject with which the Professor, Associate Professor or Reader will be concerned. Lecturer, Researcher or (i) The Head of the Department Assistant Professor concerned; (ii) One Professor to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor. (iii). Two persons not in the service of 52 the University nominated by the Syndicate for their special knowl- edge of, .or interest in, the subject with which the Lecturer, Researcher or Assistant Professor will be concerned. Librarian (i) Two persons not in the service of the University who have special knowledge of the subject of Library Science or Library Administration to be nominated by the Syndicate. (ii) One person, not in the service of the University, nominated by the Syndicate, Explanation I. -- Where the appointments are being made for an inter-disciplinary project, the Head of the Project shall 53 be deemed to be Head of the Department concerned. Explanation ll. -- The Professor to he nominated shall be the Professor concerned with the specialty for which the selection is being made and the Vice-Chancellor shall consult the Head of the Department and the Dean of Faculty before nominating the Professor. Explanation m. -- At least three out of four or two out of three members, as the case may be, concerned with the spe- ciality referred to under column (2) shall be present at the Selection Committee meeting. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall preside at the meetings of a Selection Committee. (4) The meetings of a Selection Committee shall be convene by the Vice-Chancellor. (5) The Procedure to be followed by a Selection Commit- tee in making recommendations shall- be such as may be prescribed. (6) If the Syndicate is unable to accept the recommenda- tions made by a Selection Committee, it shall record its reasons and submit the case to the Chancellor for final- orders. (7) Appointments to temporary posts shall be made in the manner indicated below:- (i) If the temporary vacancy is for a duration, longer than one academic session, it shall be filled on the advice of the Selection Committee in accordance with 54 the procedure indicated in the foregoing provisions: Provided that if the Vice-Chancellor is satisfied that in the interest of work it is necessary to fill the. vacancy, the appointment may be made on a temporary basis by a local Selection Committee referred to in sub-clause (ii) for a period not exceeding six months. (ii) If the temporary vacancy is for a period less than a year, an appointment to such vacancy shall be made on the recommendation of a local Selection Committee consisting of the Dean of the Faculty concerned, the Head of the Department and a nominee of the Vice- Chancellor: Provided that if the same person holds the offices of the Dean and the Head of the Department, the Selection Committee may consist of two nominees of the Vice- Chancellor: Provided further that in case of sudden casual vacancies in teaching posts caused by the death or any other reason, the Dean may, in consultation with the Head of the Department concerned, make a temporary appoint- ment for a month and report to the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar about such appointment. (iii) No teacher appointed temporarily shall, if he is not recommended by a regular Selection committee for ap- pointment under this Act, be continued in service' on such temporary employment unless he is subsequently selected by a local Selection Committee or a regular Selection Committee, for a temporary or permanent appointment, as the case may be. 55 35. Terms and conditions of service of Heads of Departments.-- (1) Each Department of the University shall have a Head who shall be a Professor and whose duties and func- tions and terms and conditions of appointment shall be such as may be prescribed: Provided that if there is more than one Professor in any Department, the Head of the Department shall be ap- pointed in the manner prescribed: Provided further that in a Department where there is no Professor, an Associate Professor or a Reader may be appointed as Head of the Department in the manner pre- scribed. (2) It shall be open to a Professor or Associate Professor or Reader to decline the offer of appointment as Head of the Department. (3) A person appointed as Head of the Department shall hold office as such for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment. (4) A Head of the Department may resign his office at any time during his tenure of office. (5) A Head of the Department shall perform such functions as may be prescribed. 36. Deans of Faculties.-- (1) Every Dean of Faculties shall be appointed by the Vice- Chancellor from among the Professors in the Faculty 56 for a period of three years and he shall be eligible for.re- appointment: Provided that a Dean on attaining the age of fifty-eight years shall cease to hold _office as such: Provided further that if at any time there is no Professor in a Faculty, the Vice-Chancellor shall exercise the pow- ers of the Dean of the Faculty. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the first proviso to sub-section (1), where a Professor or the Dean in a Faculty has attained the age of fifty-eight years, the Vice- Chancellor may, ifhe is satisfied that such Professor or Dean has rendered meritorious service for furthering the advancement of learning or prosecution of research in Tamil, appoint such Professor or continue such Dean in office.as the Dean of that Faculty. (3) When the office of the Dean is vacant or when the Dean is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the' duties of his office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (4) The Dean shall be the Head of the Faculty and shall be responsible for the conduct and maintenance of the standards of research in the Faculty. The Dean shall have such other functions as may be prescribed. (5) The Dean shall have the right to be present and to speak at any meeting of the Boards of Studies or Committees of the Faculty, as the case may be, but shall not have the right to vote thereat unless he is a member thereof. 57 CHAPTER IX MISCEILANEOUS 37. Filling of casual vacancies.-- All casual vacancies among the members, other than ex-offi- cio members of any authority or other body of the University shall be filled as soon as conveniently may be, by the person or body who or which nominated or elected the member whose place has become vacant and the person nominated or elected to a casual vacancy shall be a member of such au- thority or body for the residue of the term for which the person whose place he fills would have been a member: Provided that vacancies arising by efflux of time among elected members .of any authority or other body of the University may be filled at elections which may be fixed by the Vice- Chancellor to take' place on such days not earlier than two months from the date on which the vacancies arise, as he thinks fit; Provided further that no casual vacancy shall be filled if such vacancy occurs within six months before the date of the ex- piry of the term of the member of any authority or other body of the University. 58 38. Proceedings of the University authorities and bodies not invalidated by vacancies.-- No act or proceeding of any authority or other body of the University shall be invalidated merely by reason of the existence of any vacancy or of any defect or irregularity in the election or appointment of a member of any authority or other body of the University or of any defect or irregularity in such act or proceeding not affecting the merits of the case or on the ground only that the Senate did not meet twice in any year. 39. Removal from membership of the University.-- (1) The Syndicate may remove by an order in writing made in this behalf any person from membership of any authority of the University by a resolution passed by a majority of the total membership of the Syndicate and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Syndicate present and voting at the meeting, if such person has been convicted by a criminal court for an offence which in the opinion of the Syndicate involves moral turpitude or if he has been guilty of gross misconduct and for the same reason, the Syndicate may withdraw any degree or diploma conferred on or granted to that person by the University. (2) The Syndicate may also by an order in writing made in this behalf remove any person from the membership of any authority of the University if he becomes of un- sound mind or deaf-mute or suffers from leprosy or has applied to be adjudicated or has been adjudicated as an insolvent. (3) No action under this section shall be taken against any 59 person unless he has been given a reasonable opportu- nity to show cause against the action proposed to be taken (4) A copy of every order passed under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), as the case may be, shall as soon as may be after it is so passed, be communicated to the penon concerned in the manner prescribed. 40. Disputes as to constitution of University authorities and bodies- If any question arises whether any person has been duly elected or nominated as, or is entitled to be, a member of any author- ity of the University or other body of the University, the ques- tion shall be referred to the Chancellor' whose decision thereon shall be final. 41. Constitution of committees.-- All the authorities of the University ~hall have power to con- stitute or reconstitute committees and to delegate to them such of their powers as they deem fit. Such committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of members of the au- thority concerned and of such other persons, if any, as the authority in each case may think fit. 42. Power to obtain information.-- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the Government may, by order in writing, call for any information from the University on any matter relating to the affairs of the University and the University shall, if such information is available with it, 60 furnish the Government with such information within a rea- sonable period: Provided that in the case of information which the University considers confidential, the University may place the same before the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor. 43. Appointment of first Vice-Chancellor-. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) of sec- tion 12, within three months from the 13th September 1981, the first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Govern- ment on a salary to be fixed by them for a period not exceed- ing three years and on such other conditions as they think fit: Provided that a person appointed as first Vice-Chancellor shall retire from office, if, during the term of his office, he completes the age of sixty-five years. 44. Appointment of the first Registrar.-- Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) of sec- tion 14, within three months from the 13th September 1981, the first Registrar shall be appointed by the Government on a salary to be fixed by them for a period not exceeding three years .and on such other conditions as they think fit: Provided that the person appointed as first Registrar shall retire from office, if, during the term of his office, he completes the age of fifty-eight years. 45. Transitory powers of the first Vice-Chancellor.-- (1) It shall be the duty of the first Vice-Chancellor to make arrangements for constituting the Senate, the Syndicate 61 and such other authorities of the University within six months after the notified date or such longer period not exceeding one year as the Government may, by notifi- cation, direct (2) The first Vice-Chancellor shall, in consultation with the Government, make such rules as may be necessary for the functioning of the University. (3) The authorities constituted under sub-section (1) shall commence to exercise their functions on such elate as the _ Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf. (4) It shall be the duty of the first Vice-Chancellor to draft such statutes, as may be necessary and submit them to the Syndicate for their disposal. Such statutes when framed shall be published in the Tamil Nadu Govern- ment Gazette. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and the statutes and until such time an authority is duly consti- tuted, the first Vice-Chancellor may appoint any officer or constitute any committee temporarily to exercise and perform any of the powers and duties of such authority under this Act and the statutes. 46. The Librarian.- (1) The Librarian shall be a whole time officer of the University appointed by the Syndicate 01' the recom- mendation of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose, for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. 62 (2) The Librarian shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Syndicate. 47. Special mode of appointment.-- (1) The Syndicate may invite a person of high academic distinction and professional attainments to accept a post of Professor in the University on such terms and conditions as it deems fit, and on the person agreeing to do so. appoint him to the post. (2) The Syndicate may appoint a teacher or any other mem- ber of the academic staff working in any other Univer- sity or organisation for undertaking a joint project in accordance with the manner prescribed. 48. Omitted. 49. Notiftcatlons to be placed before the Legislature.-- Every notification issued under this Act, shall, as soon as possible after it is issued, be placed on the table of both House of the Legislature and if. before the expiry of the session in which it is so placed or the next session, both Houses agree in making any modification in any such notification or both Houses agree that the notification should not be issued, the notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified from or be of no effect, as the case may be so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that notification, 63 50. Repeal and saving.-- (1) The Tamil University ordinance. 1981 (Tamil Nadu Ordinance 10 of 1981) is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal anything done or action taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act. The Schedule - Omitted. Amendments Included 1. The Tamil University Ordinance 1981 (Tamil Nadu Ordinance 10 of 1981) promulgated by the Governor on the 1st August 1984. 2. Die Tamil University (Amendment) Act, 1986 (Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1986) assented to by the Governor on 19th February 1986. ••••••••