The court further clarified that the handing over of charge to Dr. Tongbram would remain subject to the final outcome of the pending review petition
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
The Manipur High Court has directed the Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) of Manipur Technical University (MTU), Dr. W. Chandbabu, to hand over the charge of Vice-Chancellor to Dr. Bhabeswar Tongbram by November 4, 2026, warning that failure to comply would require him to appear before the court to face contempt proceedings and framing of charges.
The direction was issued by Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma on November 3, 2026, while hearing Contempt Case (Civil) No. 104 of 2026 filed by Dr. Bhabeswar Tongbram against Ningthoujam Geoffrey and three others.
The contempt petition was filed over alleged non-compliance with the High Court’s judgment and order dated August 5, 2026, in W.P.(C) No. 91 of 2026, which had directed the reinstatement of Dr. Tongbram as Vice-Chancellor of MTU with immediate effect until November 7, 2026, or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, in accordance with his original appointment order dated November 8, 2021.
In its earlier judgment, the High Court had set aside the Chancellor’s decision dated August 22, 2025, particularly the findings that Dr. Tongbram did not possess the requisite qualifications for the post. The court had also directed the then In-Charge Vice-Chancellor of MTU, who is the Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), to hand over the charge to Dr. Tongbram.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court noted that although Manipur Technical University had filed Review Petition No. 7 of 2026 challenging the August 5 judgment, no stay had been granted against the operation of the judgment. The court also observed that the direction to hand over the charge had not been stayed either in the review proceedings or by any appellate forum.
The court further clarified that the handing over of charge to Dr. Tongbram would remain subject to the final outcome of the pending review petition.
Accordingly, the High Court directed that a compliance report be submitted on November 4, 2026, at 2 pm. In the event of non-compliance, Dr. W. Chandbabu, in his capacity as In-Charge Vice-Chancellor of MTU, has been directed to appear before the court to face contempt proceedings and framing of charges.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 4.
