New Delhi: The Supreme Court observed on Monday that the Kerala High Court's decision to uphold the appointment of Dr Priya Varghese as associate professor of Malayalam department in Kannur University is wrong to a certain extent. 

Further, the apex court has issued notices on petitions filed by Union Grant Commission (UGC) and Dr Joseph Sacaria, the second-rank holder in the interview conducted by Kannur University for the post. At the same time, the court granted six-week time for Priya Varghese to submit a counter affidavit on filed petitions.

The petitions filed by the UGC and Dr Joseph Sacaria were heard by a bench consisting of Justices J.K Maheshwari and K.V. Viswanathan. The court pointed out that the High Court ruling was wrong to a certain extent while also emphasising that the matter is related to teaching experience.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General K.M Nataraj, who represented the UGC, urged to stay the appointment of Priya Varghese based on the High Court ruling. Advocates representing Priya Varghese also informed that their party has already joined service as Associate Professor. In response, the Supreme Court stated that Priya Varghese's appointment would be contingent on the Supreme Court's final decision on the case.