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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala High Court rejects Governor's appeal on Vice Chancellor appointments
The Kerala High Court has upheld its earlier ruling that annulled the temporary appointments of Vice Chancellors (VCs) to two state universities by the former Governor. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PV Balakrishnan upheld the single judge verdict, stating that the temporary appointments made at Kerala Digital University and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University were not legally Governor, who also is the Chancellor of the universities, had filed the appeal challenging the single bench order that deemed the appointments procedurally flawed. The court found merit in the original observation that the appointments had bypassed the proper legal case concerns the Governor's decision to appoint Ciza Thomas as the temporary Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University and K Sivaprasad as APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University VC. These appointments were made through separate notifications issued on November 27, 2024. The division bench observed that the University Grants Commission Regulations of 2010 and 2018 do not address temporary VC appointments pending regular ones. It referred to Section 13(7) of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act and Section 11(10) of the Kerala Digital University Act, which allow the Chancellor to appoint a temporary VC only for up to six months, and only with the state government's court held that the Chancellor had no authority to appoint anyone as VC 'until further orders,' as was done in these cases without the required recommendation. It upheld the single judge's decision to strike down those appointments, saying there was no reason to interfere with the May 19, 2025, judgment. The writ appeals were High Court also noted that the prolonged absence of regular VCs had harmed the functioning of both universities and affected students. It urged the Chancellor and the state government to act promptly and appoint full-time VCs without case involved two writ appeals: One challenged the annulment of Ciza Thomas's appointment as VC of Kerala Digital University. The court noted her appointment violated the 2021 Act, which requires state government recommendation. However, it did not remove her, as her six-month term was ending on May second related to K Sivaprasad's temporary appointment as VC of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. The court found that the Chancellor had not followed Section 13(7) of the 2015 Act, which also requires a government recommendation. As his tenure was nearly over, the court did not intervene. - Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Setback for Guv as Kerala HC rejects appeals over temporary VC appointments at two varsities
Kochi, In a setback to the Kerala Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of major universities in the state, the High Court on Monday dismissed writ petitions challenging a single judge's verdict that declared the temporary appointments of Vice-Chancellors at J Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala Digital University as unsustainable. Setback for Guv as Kerala HC rejects appeals over temporary VC appointments at two varsities The appeals were filed by the Chancellor and others, against the May 19, 2025 judgment which said the appointments were made without following proper legal procedure. The controversy began after the Chancellor appointed two persons Ciza Thomas to the Kerala Digital University and K Sivaprasad to the J Abdul Kalam Technological University to the temporary posts of VC through notifications issued on November 27, 2024. These appointments were made under the respective University Acts, citing powers to fill the post for a maximum of six months in the absence of a regular VC. However, the state government challenged the appointments, arguing that they did not follow the procedure laid down in the Acts which require a panel of names to be recommended by the government and did not comply with University Grants Commission regulations. The High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and P V Balakrishnan, upheld the single judge's ruling, agreeing that the notifications lacked legal backing. The court observed that although the appointments were temporary, they still required adherence to the statutory process, including the submission of a panel of at least three eligible names by the government. The judges also emphasised the importance of the VC's role, calling them the "bridge between academic and administrative functions" of a university. They referred to earlier Supreme Court judgments which stressed that VCs must be selected independently, without political or external pressure, and in the best interest of the university. While dismissing the appeals, the court noted the ongoing administrative deadlock in both universities and its negative effect on students. It urged the Chancellor and the state government to act promptly to make regular VC appointments in line with the law and UGC norms. "Considering the stalemate existing in the administration of the Technological University and the Digital University, which is continuing for a considerably long period, and which had an adverse impact on the functioning of the said universities and the interest of the student community, we are of the view that the Chancellor as well as the State Government will have to act pro-actively, to ensure that regular appointment to the post of Vice-Chancellor in the said Universities are made, without any further delay," the court said. The court also clarified that the UGC's 2018 regulations regarding qualifications and appointment procedures for university teachers and academic staff would override any conflicting provisions in state legislation. The verdict has come as a relief for the CPI-led Left government, which has been at odds with the Governor over the administration of universities in the state. Welcoming the HC order, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said the court had confirmed that the Governor's actions in appointing Vice-Chancellors were unlawful. She said the High Court's rejection of the Governor's appeal supported what the state government had been saying all along. "The Governor has powers, but when he crosses the limits, it causes problems," the minister said. She also called the Chancellor's move which she claimed could damage the reputation of universities disgraceful. General Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty also welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for the government's efforts to ensure transparency in the education sector. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
LoP V D Satheesan seeks vigilance probe into corruption in Kerala Digital University
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan wrote a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday, urging the immediate formation of a special vigilance team to investigate serious allegations of corruption, financial fraud, and irregularities at Kerala Digital University. In the letter, Satheesan raised grave concerns over the functioning of the university, particularly pointing to the role of India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre—a private company that partnered in the graphene project, which the chief minister had publicly championed. He alleged that the company began operations only after the government order on the project was issued but received advance funds even before completing necessary official procedures. 'It is deeply shameful for the state that such blatant corruption has occurred in a project of this scale,' Satheesan wrote. He claimed that various projects meant for the university are being hijacked by private interests using shell companies floated by faculty members. 'Reports suggest that some teachers have formed more than five companies to swindle project funds and are using university-paid staff to run these firms,' he alleged. The opposition leader further stated that in addition to Rs 94.85 crore granted by the Union Ministry of Electronics, the state government has also committed significant funds to the graphene initiative. He said this makes the alleged misuse even more serious. Satheesan also flagged concerns over the misuse of infrastructure, alleging that a building leased by the university for the proposed Digital Science Park—built at a cost of crores—was being used to house employees of private firms. 'These corrupt and misguided moves are unfolding right under the Chief Minister's leadership,' he said in the letter.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kerala govt to launch universal palliative care project
T'puram: In order to ensure proper care for bedridden patients in the state, the govt is set to launch the 'Kerala Care' palliative network. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will conduct the state-level inauguration of the initiative on Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The universal palliative care project is one of the significant interventions in the field of palliative care in Kerala. Palliative care is one of the 10 key focus areas of Navakeralam Action Plan's Ardhram Mission 2. As part of this, a comprehensive palliative care action plan was prepared, forming a palliative care grid aimed at ensuring scientific care for all bedridden patients, said health minister Veena George. The 'Kerala Care' palliative grid was established under the aegis of Kerala Digital University to coordinate palliative care. All voluntary organizations and groups involved in palliative care will be included in the grid. The local self-govt department provides primary registration for voluntary organizations, while the health department provides registration for healthcare providers. Currently, 1,043 institutions are part of the grid. Volunteers willing to care for patients in distress for at least one hour a week will be included in the grid. They can register through the Sannadha Sena portal ( to become part of the palliative grid. Those who register will receive necessary training. Currently, 7,765 volunteers are registered, and their activities are monitored through the palliative grid to ensure proper care for bedridden patients.
