The ever-smiling Professor Sobti has chosen to stay on. “I will continue as the vice-chancellor here as the PU Chancellor wants me to. My hard work has paid off and I am really glad to be given another opportunity to serve the university.”

Friends and acquaintances came to congratulate the V-C the moment he returned from Delhi with the good news. Although rumours abounded that the extension may not be valid as the decision came after the code of conduct was implemented, experts said extensions are independent of the issue.

Professor Ronki Ram, president of Panjab University Teachers’ Association, said: “We are really happy for Professor Sobti. He deserves everything he has got. I am glad that I will get to spend more time with a noble soul like him.”