Kerala HC seeks vice chancellor's response on plea for police protection on campuses
A bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji was considering a PIL by K N Ramesh Kumar of Ernakulam. The petitioner alleged that a serious law-and-order situation had arisen following the controversial suspension of the Kerala University registrar by the VC and his subsequent reinstatement by the syndicate. Though administrative in nature, these actions have allegedly triggered widespread political mobilisation, resulting in the current protests.
However, the bench noted that the petition was vague and failed to specify any particular incidents or actions. HC criticised the petitioner for the lack of necessary details. On request, the petitioner was granted time to file an additional affidavit providing the missing particulars.
The petitioner's primary contention was that certain elements were disturbing the functioning of the university. HC observed that under the Kerala University Act, the responsibility for maintaining internal discipline rests with the vice chancellor. Accordingly, the court directed the VC to file an affidavit in this regard and posted the petition on July 24.
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