The Council of State warns of possible 'means of delaying the process' in the case of the rectorship of the National University.

The Council of State recently warned those involved in the case involving the election of the rector of the National University of Colombia that no delaying actions or improper legal maneuvers that hinder the progress of the process will be permitted.

By order dated June 12, 2025, the Fifth Section of the Supreme Court ruled on an appeal filed by the University Superior Council (CUN ) within the framework of the electoral annulment process against the appointment of Professor Leopoldo Múnera Ruíz as rector of the institution. The order states that the request for consolidation of proceedings was rejected and that any action seeking to delay the ruling will be sanctioned in accordance with Article 295 of the Code of Administrative Procedure and Administrative Litigation (Law 1437 of 2011).

“Warn all procedural subjects that the presentation of irrelevant petitions, as well as the filing of improper appeals and nullities will be considered as ways of delaying the process and will be sanctioned with a fine of five (5) to ten (10) current legal monthly minimum wages,” the document expressly states.

Professor Diego Alejandro Torres, professor representative before the University Superior Council and professor at the National University, reacted to this decision through his X account (@DiegoAleTorres), stating that "this legal maneuver leaves much to be desired on the part of the members of the Superior Council and the rector of the University," in reference to the appeal for reconsideration resolved by the Council of State.

Torres also emphasized that the high court was clear that there will be no unification of proceedings between the cases involving professors Ismael Peña and Leopoldo Múnera, which would imply separate rulings.

With this statement, the Council of State seeks to ensure that the process continues without delay, amid a complex institutional environment at the National University, where various academic and political sectors have expressed concern about the direction of the rector's office and university governance.

In April, the Council of State decided to issue an early ruling on the nullity claims filed against the election of Leopoldo Múnera as rector of the National University (UNAL) for the 2024-2027 term.

Múnera's appointment came after an initial controversy surrounding the appointment of José Ismael Peña Reyes, which was challenged by the Ministry of Education and later rescinded, sparking protests. Múnera's election in July 2024 also drew criticism , citing alleged violations of university autonomy.

The Council of State is reviewing several resolutions, including Ministry of Education Resolution 7480, which called for an extraordinary session of the University Superior Council (CSU), and CSU Resolutions 067 and 068, which annulled Peña Reyes' election and allowed Múnera's appointment.

The plaintiffs maintain that these resolutions violated university autonomy. Múnera, for his part, defends the legality of his decision, arguing that the CSU acted independently and corrected prior irregularities.