MUMBAI: The University of Mumbai turned poorer by Rs 12.11 lakh to defend its vice-chancellor Rajan Welukar ’s appointment in court .

In response to an RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali , the MU said it had utilized the services of lawyers who were not empanelled by the varsity. and paid them Rs 12.11 lakh as fees. What is blatant, said Galgali, is that the amount spent from the university’s coffers did not have sanction either from the state government or the governor, who is the chancellor.

“The V-C could have used the services of the empanelled lawyers whereby the university would not have incurred extra cost. This legal expenses should be recovered from Welukar,” demanded Galgali, in a letter to the governor and CM. Welukar couldn’t be reached for comment as he is travelling.

Galgali had filed a query with the university seeking information on the lawyers appointed and expenses incurred for defending Welukar’s appointment. The university’s legal cell superintendent Smita Shinde replied, “The university was represented in the Supreme Court by advocate Naveen Prakash and he has been paid Rs 8 lakh till date. On May 23, 2014, he presented two bills. He claimed Rs 5.50 lakh as fees for appearing before the court on April 29, July 5 and 23, August 6 and December 9, 2013, and Rs 2.50 lakh for appearing before the court on July 2 and 31, 2013. He was appointed to represent the case on the recommendation of advocate Rui Rodrigues, an empanelled lawyer of the university, and the appointment was sanctioned by the pro-vice-chancellor.”

After Welukar assumed charge as V-C on July 7, 2010, three cases were filed in the HC challenging his appointment. The MU also incurred legal expenses of Rs 4.1 lakh for defending Welukar’s appointment in the Bombay high court. In the HC, the MU was represented by advocates Rafiq Dada, Naushad Engineer and Sagar Talekar who were paid Rs 3.3 lakh, Rs 45,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively. On enquiring if permission from the governor or state was obtained, Galgali was told the data was not available with the department. “To defend his appointment, Welukar sought the services of high-profile lawyers and the charges were paid by the varsity, which generates revenue from students’ fees,” said Galgali.

