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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Appointment of Ciza Thomas as temporary vice-chancellor of digital varsity not sustainable in law, rules Kerala high court
Kochi: High court has held that the appointment of Ciza Thomas as the temporary vice-chancellor (VC) of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences , Innovation and Technology (Digital University) by the chancellor, without the recommendation of the state govt, is not sustainable in law. The bench of Justice P Gopinath issued order in a petition filed by the state challenging Thomas's appointment by the chancellor. However, the bench clarified that the declaration of illegality would not result in Ciza Thomas being removed from office, as her tenure is set to expire on May 27. The court also directed the state govt to take steps to recommend to the chancellor the names of eligible persons with qualifications prescribed by University Grants Commission (UGC) for appointment as temporary VC, pending the selection of a regular VC. The court observed that the appointment process must be governed by the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers in Universities and Colleges, 2018. The state had alleged in its petition that Arif Mohammed Khan, the then chancellor, appointed Ciza Thomas, former VC of Kerala Technological University (KTU), as the temporary VC in Nov 2024 without following the procedure mandated under the University Act. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Upon examining sub-section (10) of Section 11 of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology Act, 2020, HC accepted the state's contention that such appointments must be made with the recommendation of the state govt and passed orders accordingly. "Why so much antagonism towards her?" Meanwhile, a high court division bench on Wednesday questioned the state govt on why it was so antagonistic toward Ciza Thomas merely for having served as the VC of a university. The bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Johnson John made the remarks while hearing her petition seeking a directive to the state to disburse her monthly pension, arrears, and other terminal benefits. The petition was adjourned to Thursday. While serving as senior joint director in directorate of technical education, Ciza Thomas was appointed as KTU VC by the then chancellor Arif Muhamed Khan in Nov 2022. Her appointment came after the chancellor rejected the name the state govt recommended for the post. Subsequently, on the day of her retirement in March 2023, the state govt issued a charge memo to Thomas, alleging that she had assumed charge as VC without govt permission. The high court later quashed the disciplinary proceedings initiated against her. However, the state govt denied her monthly pension and terminal benefits, prompting her to move HC.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Governor urged to intervene in KTU BoG controversy
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to direct APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) Vice-Chancellor in-charge K. Sivaprasad to cancel the Board of Governors (BoG) meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday. In a formal communication, the organisation flagged various 'illegalities' in convening the special BoG meeting. It highlighted the recent judgement of the Kerala High Court, which deemed the notification issued by the Chancellor appointing Prof. Sivaprasad as the Vice-Chancellor 'not sustainable in law.' The confederation also cited Section 26(1) of the University Act, which mandates that the meeting of the BoG should be convened on the dates fixed by the Vice-Chancellor 'in the manner decided by the BoG.' In addition, Section 26(3) of the Act states that the Vice-Chancellor 'may upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one half of the total number of members of the BoG, convene a special meeting'. The organisation stated that the proposed meeting is illegal since it is being convened without fulfilling such statutory requirements. Meanwhile, Students Federation of India (SFI) activists attempted to barge into the Vice-Chancellor's office, prompting the police to forcibly remove the protesters. Demanding Prof. Sivaprasad's resignation on account of the HC order, the activists burnt an effigy in front of the university office.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Appointment of K Sivaprasad as temporary vice-chancellor of technological university is not sustainable in law: Kerala high court
Kochi/Thrissur: High court has held that the appointment of K Sivaprasad as the temporary vice-chancellor (VC) of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) by the chancellor is not sustainable in law, as it was made without the recommendation of the state govt, contrary to the provisions of the University Act. The judgment, delivered by Justice P Gopinath, came while considering a petition by the state govt challenging the notification issued by the then chancellor, Arif Muhamed Khan, in Nov 2024. HC observed that sub-section (7) of Section 13 of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act, 2015, mandates that the power to appoint a temporary VC must be exercised only on the recommendation of the state govt. The state had contended that Sivaprasad, a professor at Cochin University, was appointed in violation of this requirement. Agreeing with the state's argument, HC held that the impugned notification was legally unsustainable. However, noting that the statutory tenure for a temporary VC is limited to six months, and that Sivaprasad's term is set to expire on May 27, HC declined to interfere with the notification at this stage. The court directed the state govt to recommend to the chancellor the names of individuals who possess the qualifications prescribed under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, for appointment as temporary VC pending the selection of a regular appointee. It further clarified that the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges, 2018, would govern such appointments. Meanwhile, higher education minister R Bindu welcomed the HC order. She said that the former chancellor had repeatedly violated the rules in the Act, despite the court directives to follow the rule. Chancellor is expected to abide by the laws which he himself cleared as Governor. Such a situation where the courts have to remind him of this important convention, is something that must be avoided, Bindu added.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Controversy erupts over KTU BoG meeting
A controversy is brewing over a Board of Governors (BoG) meeting of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), scheduled for May 22, which has been convened by the Chancellor. The special session, mainly called to present the university Budget for 2025-26, has sparked concerns with various quarters alleging the meeting is being convened in violation of university norms. In a joint statement on Monday, Left-leaning All Kerala Private College Teachers' Association and the University Employees Confederation argued that the Chancellor does not possess the authority to directly convene a BoG meeting under the University Act. They also claimed that the notification that intimated BoG members of the meeting was issued by the former Registrar whose tenure ended on March 3. With the university yet to appoint a new Registrar, the communication has further raised concerns about its legitimacy. The organisations further alleged that the notice has not been sent to all BoG members, particularly those who were nominated under the amended university law five years ago. While several of these members were subjects of petitions that demanded their removal, such pleas were subsequently dismissed by the Kerala High Court. The court had then upheld their continuation in office until the end of their legally defined term. However, these members have allegedly been denied invitation to the upcoming meeting. While the university sought clarification on the issue, the Raj Bhavan responded that it is up to the university to adopt appropriate action. The organisations also alleged that the key agenda for the meeting, i.e., the presentation of the university Budget, is also a matter of contention. The Syndicate and the finance committee, which are responsible for preparing and presenting the budget, are yet to undertake the tasks.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Assistant Professor in Periyar University suspended two days before end of tenure of V-C
COIMBATORE: An assistant professor in the Department of Economics of Salem Periyar University was suspended on Thursday, citing violations of provisions of the Periyar University Act. Reacting to the suspension letter issued by Registrar (in-charge) S Kadhiravan, assistant professor V Vaithianathan said that he is being targeted by the University's Vice-Chancellor R Jagannathan, whose tenure is to end on Monday, for exposing violations and scams in the university. In the suspension letter, Kadhiravan said that Vaithianathan violated rules and statutes by criticising the university administration and sharing confidential information with print media. 'Since there is a prima facie case to initiate disciplinary action, the assistant professor has been placed under suspension,' the letter said. Vaithianathan, a member of the national executive committee of the All India University and College Teachers Federation, told TNIE that he recently filed a complaint with the higher education department, alleging violations in the selection process for the registrar post at Periyar University and requested that it be stopped. He said the news was published in the print media based on a complaint he filed as president of the national executive committee of the All India University and College Teachers Federation. 'My action does not violate the University Act,' Vaithianathan said. He also pointed out that PUTA (Periyar University Teachers Association) has exposed many violations in the university. 'Now that the V-C's tenure comes to an end on Monday, he took revenge through the registrar,' he added. Efforts to reach V-C R Jagannathan went in vain and Registrar (in-charge) S Kadhiravan refused to comment.
