New Delhi: In a major development ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, Kannur University has taken a decisive step regarding the legal proceedings over Priya Varghese's appointment as Associate Professor. With the top court scheduled to hear the matter on Tuesday, the University has replaced its advocate and is set to reverse its earlier stand supporting the appointment.

Previously, former SFI leader K R Subhash Chandran represented Kannur University in the case involving Priya Varghese, wife of CPM Kannur district secretary K K Ragesh. Subhash Chandran and Ragesh were active in SFI during the same period, and Subhash Chandran remains an active member of the CPM-affiliated lawyers’ organisation.

The university had earlier filed an affidavit confirming that Priya Varghese's appointment as Associate Professor was legal and that she possessed the required qualifications for the post.

As the university's stance holds critical weight in the Supreme Court proceedings, the advocate was replaced ahead of this shift in position. Zulfiker Ali, a Standing Counsel for the Kerala State Government in the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the university's new advocate.

Indications suggest that this abrupt replacement of counsel directly relates to the strategy shift in Priya Varghese's case. The university is expected to inform the apex court tomorrow that the appointment was not transparent and that she lacked the requisite qualifications.

Advocate C K Sasi previously represented the Kerala State Government in the case. James P Thomas, Standing Counsel for the State Government in the Supreme Court, will now appear for Kerala.