Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao Thursday directed Mumbai University Vice Chancellor Rajan Welukar to "abstain" from attending duty with immediate effect.
 
 The governor, in his capacity as the chancellor of the 158-year old institution, has ordered Pro Vice-Chancellor Naresh Chandra to take over as officiating Vice-Chancellor till further orders.
 
 A Raj Bhavan communique said the chancellor took the decision following recent orders passed by the Bombay High Court during the course of petitions challenging the essential eligibility qualifications of Welukar.
 
 Moreover, the high court has recently directed a search committee to reconsider the question of eligibility of Welukar for the post of vice chancellor.