Thiruvananthapuram: Days after SFI activists disrupted an event on Kerala University campus for using image of 'Bharat Mata', Kerala University Registrar Dr KS Anil Kumar faced action for issuing a notice cancelling this programme attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal suspended the Registrar pending disciplinary proceedings for allegedly creating discord during a function attended by the Governor who is the Chancellor of the University. The VC took action against Kumar after confirming his misconduct during the Governor’s event and a violation of service rules.

In the suspension order, the Vice Chancellor noted that the Registrar denied permission for the programme while the Governor was already on stage and stated that the official’s actions were prejudicial to the interests of the University.

Responding to the suspension order, Anil Kumar declared that he will approach the court. Meanwhile, syndicate members of left wing parties condemned the VC's action against the Registrar. 

Dismissing VC’s suspension order, University Syndicate member R Rajesh issued a statement declaring that KS Anil Kumar will continue in his position. According to the statement, only the syndicate is empowered to appoint the University Registrar as per the University Act 12 (1). It added that VC can take action against only employees up to the rank of Assistant Registrar. The syndicate criticised the VC for taking action against the registrar in violation of the rules and also condemned the dirty politics played by the RSS and Sangh Parivar.  

The All Kerala Private College Teachers' Association (AKPCTA) protested against the suspension, calling it unjust. In a joint statement, State President A Nishant and General Secretary Dr Bijukumar K alleged that the Vice Chancellor is acting with a Sangh Parivar agenda and demanded his removal.

The incident leading to the suspension occurred on June 25 at the University’s Senate Hall. SFI activists had staged a protest over the display of a 'Bharat Mata' image during a function organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration. Following the protest, the Registrar sent an email to Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi, the organisers, denying permission to use the Senate Hall for the event. However, by then, the Governor had already arrived and participated in the programme.

A garlanded portrait of an ornamented 'Bharat Mata' holding a saffron pennant was seen at the private event. Governor Arlekar paid floral tributes before the 'Bharatamba' image and released a book on 'Emergency-era Atrocities'. He also honoured freedom fighters from the Emergency period during the event.

While cancelling the programme, the Registrar argued that religious symbols were used, which violated university norms.

With Anil Kumar under suspension, Joint Registrar P. Harikumar will serve as Acting Registrar until further notice.

In the suspension order, the Vice Chancellor noted that the Registrar denied permission for the programme while the Governor was already on stage and stated that the official’s actions were prejudicial to the interests of the University.

Responding to the suspension order, Anil Kumar declared that he will approach the court. Meanwhile, syndicate members of left wing parties condemned the VC's action against the Registrar. 

Dismissing VC’s suspension order, University Syndicate member R Rajesh issued a statement declaring that KS Anil Kumar will continue in his position. According to the statement, only the syndicate is empowered to appoint the University Registrar as per the University Act 12 (1). It added that VC can take action against only employees up to the rank of Assistant Registrar. The syndicate criticised the VC for taking action against the registrar in violation of the rules and also condemned the dirty politics played by the RSS and Sangh Parivar.  

The All Kerala Private College Teachers' Association (AKPCTA) protested against the suspension, calling it unjust. In a joint statement, State President A Nishant and General Secretary Dr Bijukumar K alleged that the Vice Chancellor is acting with a Sangh Parivar agenda and demanded his removal.

The incident leading to the suspension occurred on June 25 at the University’s Senate Hall. SFI activists had staged a protest over the display of a 'Bharat Mata' image during a function organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration. Following the protest, the Registrar sent an email to Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi, the organisers, denying permission to use the Senate Hall for the event. However, by then, the Governor had already arrived and participated in the programme.

A garlanded portrait of an ornamented 'Bharat Mata' holding a saffron pennant was seen at the private event. Governor Arlekar paid floral tributes before the 'Bharatamba' image and released a book on 'Emergency-era Atrocities'. He also honoured freedom fighters from the Emergency period during the event.

While cancelling the programme, the Registrar argued that religious symbols were used, which violated university norms.

With Anil Kumar under suspension, Joint Registrar P. Harikumar will serve as Acting Registrar until further notice.