LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought replies from the Punjab government and the chancellor on a petition of the University of Education’s former pro-vice chancellor Dr Aslam Saeed challenging his removal from the post before completion of the tenure. Advocate Awais Khalid argued on behalf of the petitioner that the chancellor/governor, without giving any notice, removed his client from the post. He pointed out that the petitioner was appointed as Pro-VC on Aug 3, 2023 for a period of three years under the law. He said the petitioner later also started working as the VC of the UE after the post fell vacant. The counsel stated that the chancellor on Sept 4, 2024 issued a notification removing the petitioner from the post of the Pro-VC only after one year and that too without adopting a due process of law. He argued that an employee couldn’t be awarded the major penalty of removal from service without a proper inquiry and affording a fair opportunity to explain his/her position. He contended that the respondents acted in an unfair and unjust manner, which was liable to be struck down by the court. The counsel asked the court to set aside the impugned order and reinstate the petitioner to his position. “Let notices be issued to the respondents to file reports and para-wise comments so as to reach this court within a period of seven working days,” said the order issued by Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad. The judge adjourned the hearing till Sept 25.