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Key Points

The Kerala High Court declined to intervene in the suspension of Kerala University Registrar Dr. K.S. Anil Kumar by VC Mohanan Kunnummal. The Left-dominated Syndicate later reinstated the Registrar, leading to a power tussle between acting VC Ciza Thomas and university authorities. With conflicting decisions, the court directed the matter to be resolved by Chancellor and Governor Arlekar. The case highlights ongoing tensions between university administration and political factions in Kerala.

Key Points: Kerala HC Stays Out of University VC-Registrar Dispute

  • Kerala HC dismisses plea after Registrar withdraws petition post-Syndicate reinstatement
  • VC Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Registrar over cancelled Governor event
  • Left-backed Syndicate overturns suspension, creating dual Registrar crisis
  • Governor Arlekar to decide as conflicting reports reach Chancellor's office
2 min read

Kerala HC refuses to intervene in University squabble, VC asked to approach Chancellor

Kerala High Court refuses to intervene in Kerala University VC's suspension of Registrar, directs matter to Chancellor for resolution.

"When such a decision to reinstate the Registrar was made by the Syndicate, the correctness has to be decided by the appropriate authority. – Justice D.K. Singh"

Thiruvananthapuram, July 7

The Kerala High Court on Monday refused to intervene in the matter of the Kerala University Vice-Chancellor's decision to suspend the varsity's Registrar.

Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Registrar Dr K.S. Anil Kumar for allegedly issuing a notice cancelling a private programme, attended by Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed.

Soon after the suspension order came, Kunnummel went on a foreign trip and handed over to charge to Ciza Thomas, who is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences.

On Friday, Anil Kumar approached the High Court for an interim stay, which was not granted, and the case was posted for Monday.

In between, Thomas appointed a new Registrar. However, things went for a toss when at the special meeting of the Kerala University Syndicate on Sunday, the Left-dominated varsity body "revoked" the suspension of Anil Kumar, leading to Thomas terming the decision invalid.

On Monday, Anil Kumar withdrew his original petition from the high court in view of his reinstatement by the Syndicate of the University.

When the matter came up for consideration before a bench of Justice D.K. Singh, counsel for the Registrar submitted that a withdrawal petition has been filed in light of his reinstatement by the Syndicate of the University.

As this, the bench orally observed that when such a decision to reinstate the Registrar was made by the Syndicate, the correctness of the decision has to be decided by the appropriate authority.

Thus, the writ petition was dismissed as withdrawn by the High Court.

Now the ball is going to be in the court of the Chancellor, the Governor, as at the moment there are two Registrars.

Thomas has already submitted her report to the Chancellor, contending that what happened in the Syndicate meeting was against the rules.

It remains to be seen what Arlekar decides.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The real issue is being ignored - why was a program with Bharat Mata's saffron-flag portrait being cancelled in the first place? This seems like unnecessary politicization of education. Our universities should respect all symbols of national pride.
A
Aditya G
Typical Kerala politics playing out in education institutions. The Left government interfering in university matters through the Syndicate. The Governor should take strict action to maintain autonomy of universities.
S
Shreya B
As an alumna of Kerala University, this is embarrassing. Instead of focusing on improving education quality, our administrators are busy with power games. Students are the ultimate losers in all this.
K
Karthik V
The HC was right to not intervene. These internal university matters should be resolved within the system. But the VC leaving the country immediately after suspension raises questions about the timing.
N
Nisha Z
While I don't support political interference, the VC's actions seem arbitrary. Suspending someone for cancelling an event? There must be proper procedures followed. Hope the Chancellor resolves this fairly.
M
Michael C
Interesting case study in university governance. In Western countries, such matters would be handled by independent boards without political influence. India needs to strengthen its higher education administration systems.

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