Following the report submitted by Dr. Ciza Thomas, who is in charge of the Vice Chancellor’s duties, regarding the controversial decisions taken in the special Syndicate meeting held on Sunday, the Governor has decided to issue a show-cause notice to the Syndicate of the University of Kerala. The Governor is expected to nullify the decisions taken in the parallel Syndicate meeting only after issuing the notice.

Earlier, the Governor had sought a report from the Vice Chancellor regarding the appointment of Dr. K. S. Anilkumar as Registrar, a decision taken by the Syndicate. As per Section 7(3) of the Kerala University Act, the Governor will summon and examine the minutes and records of the meeting.

Dr. Anilkumar informed the Vice Chancellor that he had taken charge from P. Harikumar, the Senior Joint Registrar who previously held the Registrar’s responsibilities. When the VC sought clarification, Harikumar replied via email that he was on personal leave and had handed over the charge to Dr. Anilkumar. Subsequently, Harikumar was removed from the charge of Senior Joint Registrar (Administration) and was replaced by Hema Anand, Joint Registrar (Academic). Harikumar has been transferred to the Academic division. However, he has not handed over the documents related to the assumption of charge by Dr. Anilkumar, despite the VC’s request.

Two Registrars in Charge; Transfer of Duties Thwarted

Currently, there are two individuals holding charge as Registrar at the University of Kerala. Dr. K. S. Anilkumar is functioning from the Registrar’s office based on the decision of the parallel Syndicate meeting. Meanwhile, Planning Director Dr. Mini Kappen, who was assigned the Registrar’s charge by the Vice Chancellor, was prevented from assuming charge by left-affiliated staff members. Earlier, the VC had also deactivated Dr. Anilkumar’s user ID and password in the digital file system. Further action against Harikumar may be taken once Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal returns on the 9th.

Report Says Dr. Anilkumar’s Suspension Not Revoked

According to Dr. Ciza Thomas’s report to the Governor, the Syndicate did not formally decide to revoke the suspension of Dr. Anilkumar. He remains under suspension, and his presence in the office is not legally valid. The report also notes that the minutes of the Syndicate meeting have not been received, and even if they are submitted, they would only be valid with the Vice Chancellor’s signature. The report emphasizes that only the VC has the authority to revoke a suspension and that legal procedures must be followed in the functioning of the University.

Meanwhile, Senate member Adv. Manju has submitted a complaint to the Governor seeking action against the parallel Syndicate meeting.

Controversy Erupts as Court Decision on R. Rajesh’s Petition Pending

The Kerala High Court strongly criticized a Facebook post made by R. Rajesh, a member of the University of Kerala Syndicate and former MLA. The criticism came while the court is yet to deliver a verdict on a petition filed by Rajesh concerning university appointments. The court objected to the post titled “The one who sits in the High Court is the Goddess of Justice, not a woman holding a saffron flag.” The single bench observed that the post tarnishes the reputation of the judiciary and the judge and amounts to an attempt to exert pressure in a sub judice matter, which is unacceptable.