Latest news with #KeralaUniversityAct
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Teachers' unions slam KSHEC vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal's remarks on the administrative deadlock at Kerala University
Three major Left-leaning teachers' organisations have strongly criticised Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal for making 'distorted interpretations' that allegedly justify and empower 'authoritarian tendencies' by the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) in-charge of Kerala University, Mohanan Kunnummal. Prof. Gurukkal, during a recent interview with The Hindu, had emphasised the role of the Vice-Chancellor as the sole executive and academic head of the university. He also faulted the Syndicate for the existing administrative impasse that has affected the institution's functioning. In their joint statement, All Kerala Private College Teachers' Association (AKPCTA), the Association of Kerala Government College Teachers (AKGCT) and the Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) accused Prof. Gurukkal of undermining the democratic ethos enshrined in the Kerala University Act by seemingly endorsing a top-down administrative model in university governance. 'Kerala's universities are not centres of autocracy, but democratic institutions rooted in the renaissance legacy of social justice and collective decision-making,' the statement read. The organisations also took umbrage at Prof. Gurukkal's perceived silence on the alleged misuse of powers by a temporary V-C who has been purportedly acting in violation of university statutes. According to the unions, the V-C's recent actions of bypassing the Syndicate and other statutory bodies and issuing unilateral orders violate not only the letter, but the spirit of the University Act. Clause 10(13), which allows the V-C to act independently only under extraordinary circumstances, is being misused, they claim. The joint statement accuses the V-C of showing intolerance towards student democratic bodies and pursuing an administrative agenda that aligns with right-wing interests. It warns that such actions, if unopposed, will lead to the erosion of academic freedom and institutional integrity. The unions also refuted Prof. Gurukkal's assertion that the V-C's approval is needed to implement Syndicate decisions. 'Chapter 6, Clause 2 of the Kerala University Statute allows the Syndicate to convene even in the V-C's absence. The V-C can chair the Syndicate and cast a vote if necessary, but they do not have veto power. The notion that Syndicate decisions require the V-C's approval is a serious legal violation. The High Court has ruled that such power is not granted under the University Act.'
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
KU crisis: Pro-left syndicate members counter Gurukkal's statement, demand its withdrawal
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pro-left Syndicate members of Kerala University have urged Kerala State Higher Education Council vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal to retract his statement blaming the Kerala University Syndicate for the current crisis in the university. The Syndicate members said Gurukkal's aspersions on the Syndicate were not only erroneous but also lent unintended grist to the Sangh Parivar's mill. In a statement on July 20, Gurukkal had said the Syndicate's ignorance of the Act and Statutes was the prime reason for the crisis. According to M Lenin Lal, pro-LDF syndicate member, Gurukkal's accusation of statutory violations by the Kerala University Syndicate is wholly unfounded. The real flashpoint lies in the overreach of Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge Mohanan Kunnummal. On July 2, Kunnummal suspended Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar for cancelling a private event at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata, adorned with a saffron flag, was displayed in the presence of Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Citing Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, Kunnummal claimed an emergency necessitated his decision. However, Section 10(14) explicitly restricts the Vice-Chancellor's authority to suspend officers above the rank of Deputy Registrar, such as the Registrar, a senior officer under Chapter III, Section 9.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala HC seeks vice chancellor's response on plea for police protection on campuses
Kochi: High court has sought an affidavit from Kerala University vice chancellor (VC) in response to a PIL seeking police protection on university campuses in light of ongoing agitations and protests. 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.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CUEO urges Governor's intervention in Kerala University issue
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, (CUEO), representing employees across all State universities, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to recall Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal, blaming the latter's alleged illegal actions for the prevailing crisis at the university. CUEO, in a formal representation, accused the Vice-Chancellor of violating statutory provisions to 'unilaterally and illegally' suspend the incumbent Registrar. 'Subsequently, the Syndicate, in its capacity as the legitimate authority as written in the Kerala University Act, revoked the suspension of the Registrar, who has since resumed his official duties. However, the individual illegally appointed by the Vice Chancellor (as Registrar) continues to remain in the university, creating a situation where two persons are functioning as Registrar. This unprecedented scenario has led to severe confusion, disarray and operational chaos among employees across the university.' The organisation cautioned that the university's functioning has come to a virtual standstill, with the prevailing environment of uncertainty severely hampering administrative activities. 'What makes this situation especially concerning is that it comes at a critical juncture in the academic calendar, with admission processes underway for various programmes. The crisis threatens to jeopardise admissions, and tarnish the university's reputation,' it stated. Separately, the Federation of University Teachers Associations issued a statement, condemning the 'unprofessional and politically motivated actions' of temporary Vice-Chancellors in the State's universities. While the public in Kerala have always held the position of Vice-Chancellor in high regard, certain persons who hold the position on a temporary basis have been allegedly undermining the office's prestige by engaging in politically-motivated actions.
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
All eyes now on Kerala governor Arlekar's next move
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the vice-chancellor and syndicate in Kerala University refusing to budge from their respective stances in the registrar suspension issue, all eyes are now on the course of action Governor Rajendra Arlekar would adopt on the matter by exercising his powers as Chancellor. Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas had submitted a detailed report before the governor stating that the syndicate meeting that reinstated the registrar was 'invalid'. She has also reportedly informed the governor that the continuance of K S Anil Kumar in the registrar's post was illegal. The High Court had observed that since the syndicate has decided to reinstate the registrar, the correctness of that decision must be determined by the 'appropriate authority', meaning the chancellor. 'In this case, Arlekar is expected to exercise his powers under Section 7(3) of the Kerala University Act,' said a source. This provision in the Act empowers the chancellor to 'annul any proceeding of any of the authorities of the university which is not in conformity with this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances, the Regulations, the rules or the bye-laws'.
