Kerala University | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: The withdrawal of the 15 senate members of the University of Kerala is against the norms, VP Mahadevan Pillai, the university vice-chancellor said. In a letter to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, he asked the latter to withdraw the decision. The VC also said that he would only work as per the law and statute. Five among the withdrawn members were part of the syndicate as well.
On Saturday, the governor had sacked all but two senate members nominated by him, after they refrained from attending the meeting slated to select a representative for the VC search committee.
The formation of the search committee while the government was mooting changes in the format of the committee had triggered a tug of war between the governor and the university, controlled by the ruling dispensation.
Meanwhile, the expelled members of the senate said they will approach the court against the action of the governor. The members were not heard before they were expelled, they argued.
The order containing the names of the members read: "Now, having been satisfied with the situation that the under-mentioned members (15 nos.) have failed to discharge their duties and responsibilities as members in the Senate of the University, I hereby withdraw my pleasure from allowing them to continue as members in the Senate of the University with immediate effect. They shall cease to be members of the Senate of the University with immediate effect.”
On Monday, a Raj Bhavan official said that the governor has granted a three-month extension to the search committee to make recommendations for the appointment of Kerala University VC.
The tenure of the incumbent VC expires on October 24.