The Legislative Council on Wednesday passed a privilege motion to be initiated against Patna University vice-chancellor Y.C. Simhadri in an issue related to his recommendation for reverting the promotion of Navin Kumar Arya as professor at Patna University.

MLC Kedar Nath Pandey moved the proposal, claiming that following a call attention question raised earlier in the Council by JDU legislator Ram Bachan Rai, the Chairman of the House had called a meeting on the issue on August 18, 2015, to discuss the promotion issue of Arya who was working as exploration and technical assistance at department of ancient Indian history and archaeology (Patna University). Simhadri was also present in the meeting and a decision was taken to promote Arya to the rank of professor.

Later, Simhadri, in a letter to governor, stated that he was insulted, threatened and pressured in the meeting to take the decision. Simhadri in the same letter had also asked him to revoke Arya's promotion.

Pandey stated that as Simhadri had levelled false allegations against the House, thus privilege motion should be initiated against him. Several members stood in support of the motion, following which, the Deputy Chairman said the proposal would be put before privilege committee for action. Simhadri refused to say anything on this.

However, Arya told The Telegraph said his promotion issue to the rank of professor was pending for more than three years. In 2013, vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh initiated the process of his promotion, which was even passed in the varsity academic council. After the exit of Singh as VC, his promotion issue went to the cold storage. "When Simhadri was appointed VC, I again approached Simhadri with his promotion issue, but he took little interest," said Arya.

Later, Arya approached Rai, an MLC and a teacher, with his issue. Rai raised the issue at the Council and based on this, its Chairman called a meeting to discuss the issue, which was also attended by the VC.

Pandey stated that as Simhadri had levelled false allegations against the House, thus privilege motion should be initiated against him.