Bharat Mata row: Kerala HC closes Registrar’s plea as varsity revokes suspension, declines to entertain VC-in charge’s objection

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has disposed of a petition filed by K S Anilkumar, Registrar of Kerala University, challenging his suspension from the post. The action came after Anilkumar informed the court that he was withdrawing the plea as the University Syndicate revoked his suspension in a meeting held on Sunday.

Following this, Anilkumar resumed his duties as Registrar and formally requested the court to allow withdrawal of the petition.

HC criticises Syndicate member’s Facebook post

While disposing of the matter, the High Court criticised Syndicate member R Rajesh for posting comments on Facebook directed at the presiding High Court judge.

Although a private lawyer representing Ciza Thomas—currently holding temporary charge as Vice-Chancellor—attempted to object to the withdrawal of the petition, the court did not entertain the opposition.

The court clarified that if there were any concerns, a new petition could be filed later.

Bharat Mata row

Registrar Dr Anilkumar was initially suspended following the controversy at a seminar organised by Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi in June, where Governor Rajendra Arlekar was chief guest. A picture of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag placed on the dais triggered protests and clashes between demonstrators and police. The Registrar had denied permission to use the hall citing violation of University rules that prohibit religious symbols. Despite the objection, the event went ahead once the Governor arrived. The Vice Chancellor, Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, accused the Registrar of acting under external instructions with an intention to disrupt the event, damaging the University’s image. The suspension was carried out using provisions allowing the VC to exercise Syndicate powers under special circumstances. Senior Joint Registrar P Harikumar was then assigned interim charge.