The Institute of Medicine (IoM) is likely get embroiled in a dispute over dean appointment all over again, following the Supreme Court’s order on Sunday to reinstate Dr Sashi Sharma as dean. Dr Jagdish Agrawal had been holding the post until Dr Sharma’s reinstatement.

Amid multiple interpretations of legal experts, it is unclear if Dr Agrawal could continue to serve as institutes’s dean.

“The court in its ruling has clearly stated that my appointment is legal,” said Dr Agrawal. “The term of Dr Sharma will end on Thursday. If there are no obstacles, I will continue to serve as the dean.”

But there are suggestions that TU’s office bearers, who were apparently unhappy with Dr Agarwal’s recent stance on regulating private medical colleges, are looking for an opportunity to replace him. Although the TU office bearers have not yet come out with an official statement on the matter, sources say they are pressing for a fresh appointment process once Dr Sharma retires.

“A meeting will discuss on the situation once we return from Dhangadi,” said an official from the TU vice chancellor’s office.