Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University’s Joint Registrar P Harikumar has gone on leave shortly after reports emerged suggesting that Vice Chancellor (VC) in charge Dr Ciza Thomas has been planning to take action against him.

The developments follow an ongoing dispute regarding the suspension of University Registrar Dr KS Anilkumar. Though the Syndicate announced on Sunday that the suspension was revoked, Ciza Thomas clarified that no such revocation had been officially authorised.

Syndicate–VC split deepens

The Syndicate decision to revoke the Registrar’s suspension was reportedly made after the Thomas exited the Sunday meeting. According to Thomas, the participation of Joint Registrar Harikumar in the Syndicate meeting after the VC’s departure was in violation of established procedures. A show-cause notice was issued to Harikumar with a directive to respond before Monday 9 AM. He applied for leave immediately after this.

Thomas said action against the Joint Registrar was taken after deliberation. Notably, Harikumar was present at the office even as Dr Anilkumar resumed duties on Sunday.

Committee to probe suspension issue

The Syndicate, which took the decision to revoke the suspension, also resolved to constitute a three-member commission for inquiry and to notify the Kerala High Court about the action taken. The inquiry commission includes Dr Shiju Khan, G. Muraleedharan, and Dr Naseeb. The university’s standing counsel has also been instructed to inform the court.

However, Dr Ciza Thomas contended that the revocation lacks legal validity as the item was not on the meeting’s agenda and was decided after her departure. She reiterated that the suspension remains effective. Senior advocate P. Sreekumar will appear in the High Court for Thomas.

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.