Basu told PTI that the university is currently holding consultations and will make the “right decision” within the parameters of the law and university statute at the right time. A university official said they received the letter from Raj Bhavan on January 4. The Governor is the ex-officio Chancellor of all state universities, 31 of which have been without a head for nearly a year.

The letter claimed that only the chancellor has the power to “appoint, reappoint, temporarily appoint or remove the V-C” and asked the pro-V-C and registrar to ensure that Sau does not exercise any unauthorised authority in the administration of the university.

The communique also stated, “Sau cannot assume the position and enjoy benefits of authority attached to it” and labeled his earlier actions after being removed from the post on December 23 as “illegitimate.” The letter from the governor’s office also requested a compliance report on the follow-up measures taken by the varsity.

The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) has called upon the registrar and pro-VC to clarify the steps being taken after receiving the communication from Raj Bhavan.