Dr M S Frank, vice-principal at the time the petition was filed, alleges that Thampu “does not even fulfill the requirement of a teacher”, let alone that of a college principal.

Justice Rekha Sharma today also issued notices to the Delhi University vice-chancellor, the St Stephen’s governing body and supreme council, and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

“Issue notices to all respondents to show cause why rule nisi (should) not be issued,” Justice Sharma ordered. Generally, a ‘rule nisi’ is an order “to show cause”, meaning the ruling is absolute unless the party to whom it applies can show cause why it should not apply.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for December 2.

Frank, who introduces himself as a PhD in Chemistry with 29 years of teaching experience at St Stephen’s, recently questioned Thampu’s educational qualifications. He claims Thampu, with a PhD in Theology from Gospel and Plough College affiliated to Allahabad Agricultural Institute, a deemed university, is hardly the right man for the post.

Frank also raised questions about how an institute, with a deemed university status for specialising in agriculture, can grant a doctorate in Theology.

UGC, the petition says, “is meant to regulate secular and formal higher education system and not to accord any recognition to degrees awarded for purely religious reasons or pursuant to a religious curriculum”.

The petition says Thampu obtained an “invalid” PhD by “abusing his official position as a member of the National Council for Minorities Educational Institutions” at the relevant time.