SC tells Kerala govt, governor to resolve VC dispute: 'Why should students suffer?'
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the Kerala Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities, and the state government to work harmoniously and avoid political interference in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, stressing that the interest of students must be prioritised.
The issue stems from the period when Arif Mohammed Khan was the Governor of Kerala, during which frequent clashes occurred with the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government. It was during Khan’s tenure that appointments were made to these two universities, eventually leading to the current legal dispute.
The present Governor, Rajendra V. Arlekar, has also experienced similar tensions with the state government. One of the key figures facing criticism amid this conflict is Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, whom protestors allege is closely aligned with the Chancellor’s position.
The Supreme Court’s remarks are seen as a setback for the Vijayan government, particularly as the court clarified that until the regular Vice-Chancellor appointments are completed, the Governor as Chancellor—has the authority to either continue with the current temporary Vice-Chancellors or appoint new ones on an interim basis.
"We impressed upon the Attorney General that the first step now should be to initiate steps for the appointment of regular VCs in both universities. This may take some time. However, in the meantime, it is open for the Chancellor to issue a notification appointing a person, or allowing a person already appointed, to occupy the office of Vice Chancellor," said a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The bench was hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by the Governor in his capacity as Chancellor, challenging the Kerala High Court’s judgment that had quashed the appointment of a temporary VC without the recommendation of the state government.
The apex court noted that efforts to appoint regular VCs have already begun, but a challenge to the constitution of the Search Committee has stalled the process, with an interim order currently in place from the High Court. The court urged both sides to find a collaborative approach.
“All we can request today is for the state to work out some mechanism in harmony with the Chancellor for appointment of VC in both universities,” the bench stated. “We expect the Chancellor also to extend cooperation and consider whatever falls from the state government. Ultimately, it's not a matter as to who would exercise powers. It's to do with the education of students. Why should students suffer in this type of litigation?”
Keeping the matter pending, the court further directed: “While keeping the matter pending, we request the AG and senior counsel appearing for the state to work out the necessary mechanism for the appointment of a regular VC at the earliest. It shall be open for the Chancellor to issue fresh notification for continuing with the present VCs in accordance with the provisions of the two enactments till a regular VC in both universities is appointed. Let the process start at the earliest.”
With IANS inputs
