ARUN V. BETKEKAR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner claiming to be a public supported citizen, has filed this petition purporting to be Public Interest Litigation, for issuing directions regarding the office of the Chairman of respondent No. 3 - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and has prayed for removal of respondent No. 4 from the office of the Chairman of TIFR. According to the petitioner, the Union of India, Department of Atomic Energy and TIFR should be directed to appoint a person who is public servant governed by Article 311 of the Constitution of India, as the Chairman of TIFR.

(2.) Tifr is a public trust registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 and is governed by the Rules and Bye for TIFR at Exhibit 'A' to the petition. The administration and the management of TIFR vests in Council. As per Rule 4, the Council shall consist of 8 members;

(3.) Respondent No. 4 and Mr. R. Krishnakumar are two members appointed by the trustees of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Respondent No. 4 has been elected as Chairman of the Council of TIFR under Rule 5.