Valsan Thampu resigns as St Stephen's principal

New Delhi, Mar 16 (UNI) After being in the throes of a controversy since his appointment in May last year, Valsan Thampu, principal of the Delhi University's St Stephen's college, has resigned from his post.

The resignation of Thampu - the Officer on Special Duty at the college- came late last evening in wake of widespread protests over his appointment.

A spokesperson of the college said the supreme council, responsible for the running of the college, had accepted the resignation of Thampu but asked him to continue till March 18.

The council had also appointed M S Frank, the vice-principal, as proterm administrator till a full-time principal is appointed.

Thampu was appointed as the OSD of the college for three years in May last year after former principal Anil Wilson took over as vice-chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University.

Protesters against Thampu's appointment contended that he did not have a PhD degree, a requirement for appointment as principal. They allege that though Thampu had a PhD in theology, it is not recognised by the UGC.

The National Commission of Minority Education Institutions had also held Thampu's appointment as "patently illegal" and said it could not be justified under the "cloak of minority autonomy." UNI AR SW RN1522