Thiruvananthapuram: With the suspended Kerala University registrar challenging his suspension before the High Court, the university syndicate has scheduled an emergency meeting on Sunday. The Kerala High Court is expected to hear the matter again on Monday. The meeting will be convened by interim Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas in view of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Syndicate questions VC’s suspension powers

Left Front-affiliated syndicate members have questioned VC’s authority to suspend the registrar, contending that only the syndicate, which appointed the official, has the power to take disciplinary action. While a move to revoke the suspension is likely, opposing members argue that any such decision would be inappropriate while the case remains sub judice.

Due to the absence of a common position, the university’s legal counsel will not be able to present a unified view in court. As a result, both the syndicate and the VC are expected to submit separate affidavits. The registrar, meanwhile, has independently appointed a lawyer. The Governor, who serves as Chancellor of the university, has not yet been named as a party in the case.

Syndicate demands affidavit approval; VC declines

The Left Front has insisted that any affidavit submitted by the VC should be vetted and approved by the syndicate. Dr Thomas, however, declined to comply with this demand.

In a separate development, Dr Ciza Thomas faced obstruction from Left-aligned syndicate members when she attempted to access files related to the case from the PRO’s office. The files pertained to the cancellation of permission for an event on June 25 that was to be attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. 

Registrar K S Anil Kumar had previously clarified that the permission was withdrawn based on a report from the PRO’s office. Dr Thomas had gone to examine the related files before Left-backed members intervened. Finance committee convener G Muraleedharan objected, saying that the VC must go through the registrar to access official files. Dr Thomas responded by asserting her authority to inspect documents directly.

Tense exchanges in VC’s chamber

The Left-aligned syndicate members maintained they approached the VC to demand an urgent syndicate meeting. Dr Thomas insisted that the discussion be held in her chamber. Once inside, the members reportedly surrounded her, prompting intervention from BJP-aligned syndicate member PS Gopakumar. Heated arguments followed.  The situation was calmed only after the VC intervened personally.

Reason behind row
A controversy erupted after a scheduled event at the University Senate Hall went ahead despite official cancellation. On June 25, Anil Kumar revoked the permission granted to the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi, reportedly over the organisers’ decision to display a portrait of saffron-flag holding Bharat Mata on stage. However, the event was conducted regardless. Following this, the university registrar lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police, seeking action against the breach of orders.