Kerala HC quashes govt’s show-cause notice to Ciza Thomas

Thiruvananthapuram: The division bench of the Kerala High Court quashed the state government's show-cause notice to  Dr Ciza Thomas, who was appointed as the vice chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) as per the Governor’s instruction. The notice was issued for taking over the charge of VC without the permission of the government. 

The Supreme Court had cancelled the appointment of former KTU VC Dr MS Rajasree. Following this, the Governor, who is also the chancellor, in line with UGC guidelines gave Ciza Thomas temporary charge of KTU VC. The government moved the Kerala High Court against the move, the court termed the appointment legal. 

Nevertheless, the state government issued a show-cause notice to Ciza Thomas for taking over the additional charge without its permission. Although she had approached the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) against the move, they ordered in favour of the government. However, the HC division bench, which heard the petition, stated that the notice was illegal and would not stand.  

Ciza Thomas was also served with a memo of charge on the day of her retirement. With the current high court order, all further action against Thomas, including the memo, has been quashed. The order was passed by a bench comprising A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen. Senior advocate George Poonthottam appeared for Ciza Thomas.