Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal declared that the syndicate’s decision to revoke the suspension of Registrar KS Anil Kumar was invalid as per University norms. Addressing the media after meeting Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Ramanilayam in Thrissur, he argued that only the VC has the authority to chair a syndicate meeting.

“As per university rules, no syndicate member can chair the meeting. If the VC leaves, the meeting is considered dissolved with immediate effect. However, in this case, the Left-affiliated syndicate members continued the meeting and passed a resolution to cancel the registrar’s suspension. This move is illegal. The registrar cannot resume office as the suspension remains in force,” he told reporters on Monday.

Commenting on the unrest on the Kerala University campus, the VC noted that he has informed the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of state universities, about the ongoing protests and other related matters. He said that he has decided to stay away from his office temporarily to avoid confrontation.

“As a doctor, I believe prevention is better than cure. So I’m not going to the university amid the protests. I can check all files online, but some officials are preventing me from doing so. Syndicate members are obstructing me from performing my duties. I have discussed all university-related matters with the Governor,” added the VC.

The SFI and KSU have staged protests against Dr Kunnummal after he suspended Anil Kumar, who allegedly cancelled the Governor’s event at the Senate Hall. The issue stemmed from the display of a Bharat Mata image at the event attended by Arlekar. In an attempt to pacify the protesting SFI activists outside the Senate Hall, the registrar issued an order cancelling the event. However, the Governor attended the function despite being informed of the cancellation.

Days later, the VC issued an order suspending the registrar for disrespecting the Chancellor. In response, Left-aligned syndicate members accused the VC of misusing his powers and claimed that only the syndicate has the authority to take disciplinary action against the registrar. Overruling the VC’s order, the syndicate passed a resolution to reinstate the registrar and informed the Kerala High Court accordingly.

However, acting VC Ciza Thomas served a notice to Anil Kumar, restricting him from entering the office and declared his suspension valid. All universities across the state have been witnessing protests against the Governor over his alleged attempts to saffronise the campuses.