Thiruvananthapuram: A meeting between the Governor and the Chief Minister is likely as the stand-off over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to the Digital University and the Technical University continues. The development follows the Supreme Court’s suggestion that the two sides find a resolution. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has received legal advice to meet the Governor in person to break the impasse.

Neither the Governor nor the Chief Minister is currently in the capital, and the Supreme Court has adjourned the case concerning the VC appointments to Thursday. Discussions may take place before the next hearing.

The Governor had refused to approve the Chief Minister’s recommendation of Dr Saji Gopinath as Vice-Chancellor of the Digital University. In turn, the Chief Minister opposed the Governor’s choice of Dr Ciza Thomas for the Technical University. Both sides remain firm on their preferred candidates. The deadlock could end if they agree to consider other names acceptable to both parties.

The Governor has shown no indication of altering his position. His stance is that, based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Kannur University case, the Chancellor has the ultimate authority in Vice-Chancellor appointments. The court has also indicated that if the dispute is not resolved, it may be compelled to appoint VCs to both institutions itself.