Spat clouds Irma convocation

The ongoing power struggle controversy at the Institute of Rural Management-Anand (Irma) and the ensuing court battles have shadowed the convocation ceremony of Irma, scheduled on April 15.

This, incidentally, is also the institutes' silver jubilee year.

This week will prove crucial for Irma as three courts will decide on various petition filed by the two groups involved in the power struggle.

On Monday, the Gujarat High Court will hear the plea by K Prathap Reddy for quashing the order of civil court in Anand on April 11. On Tuesday, the Anand civil court has scheduled the hearing for Kurien's petition against the April 1 board meeting called by Reddy.

On Wednesday, the Gujarat High Court will hear Reddy's petition against his sacking as director.

But observers believe that this is not the end of the battle.

It is learnt that both the sides are also prepared to approach the Supreme Court in case the high court decides against them.

A final year student, who is said to receive the degree on Friday, said "We are not bothered who remain in what chair. Our concern is that the scheduled convocation ceremony should not be disturbed because of intervention of the courts in controversy. It is sad for our batch to see such controversy."

Sacking of Reddy has confused the administration personnel for the convocation ceremony as they are not clear who will address the gathering on next Friday.

The organisers are also not clear whom to approach for the consultation about the arrangements and whose instructions to follow.