Kerala varsity stand-off: Registrar enters office despite VC's diktat

Thiruvananthapuram: Disregarding Vice-Chancellor Mohan Kumar Kunnummal's instruction, security personnel let Registrar KS Anil Kumar enter his office at the University.

Amid escalating conflict at the University, the VC had instructed security personnel that Anil Kumar has been suspended and that no one should be allowed to enter the Registrar's office without authorisation. But the security personnel refused to comply with the order.

Anil Kumar said that the law will take its course. Shiju Khan, a syndicate member, said the Registrar cannot be stopped from joining his duty. He said the VC was acting in contempt of the court order. "Syndicate has revoked the registrar's suspension and VC does not have the authority to override it," he said.

Meanwhile, the district police have thrown a massive security blanket in Kerala University as SFI, DYFI, and AISF have announced plans to protest against the VC’s decision to suspend the registrar. Approximately 700 police personnel equipped with water cannons are deployed at the University.

On Friday, VC in-charge Ciza Thomas issued a notice to Anil Kumar, barring him from entering the University premises and performing his duties. She warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken if he violated the order.

On Tuesday, the University headquarters witnessed a violent protest after SFI activists barged into the office demanding the VC’s resignation.

Kerala University has been witnessing dramatic scenes since VC suspended Anil Kumar over the cancellation of the Governor’s event at the Senate Hall. The suspension was based on allegations that Anil Kumar had disrespected the Governor.

Challenging the suspension order, the University syndicate passed a resolution revoking it. However, VC in-charge Ciza Thomas overruled the syndicate’s decision and issued an order appointing Mini Kappan as the interim registrar.