MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that certain members of the Bombay University Senate objected to the legality of the rules framed by the Chancellor for the election of the provisional syndicate, and took no part in the election, and that their protest was supported by the opinion of counsel; and, if so, whether, in view of the Indian Universities (Validation) Act, he will direct the Chancellor to hold a fresh election for the provisional syndicate.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) As at present advised, I see no reason for taking the action suggested. If the hon. Member will refer to the speech delivered by the legal member of the Viceroy's Council on February 10th last, when the Indian Universities (Validation) Bill was under discussion, he will see that it was pointed out that under the law the Senate (not the Chancellor as stated in the Question) can only make one appointment of a provisional syndicate, and that
† See (4) Debates, cxxxviii., 415.915 a fresh provisional syndicate could only be appointed if it were beyond doubt that the present provisional syndicate was not validly appointed. This is by no means the case. The hon. Member will find the whole matter explained in the debates on the Bill referred to, printed in the Gazette of India for February 18th, which is in the Library of the House.