Kerala University Registrar moves HC over suspension as VC defies Syndicate’s decision
The petition seeks to overturn directives preventing his return to office after the University Syndicate revoked his suspension.
The petition seeks to overturn directives preventing his return to office after the University Syndicate revoked his suspension.
The petition seeks to overturn directives preventing his return to office after the University Syndicate revoked his suspension.
Thiruvananthapuram: Prof Dr K S Anilkumar, Registrar of the University of Kerala, has approached the High Court, contesting his continued suspension even after the University Syndicate officially withdrew the order.
In his writ petition, Prof Anilkumar has sought to set aside a series of directives issued by the Vice Chancellor, which have effectively prevented him from returning to his post.
Justice T R Ravi admitted the plea and issued notices to the respondents. The dispute arises from a suspension order dated July 2, 2025, issued by the Vice Chancellor under Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, following a seminar hosted by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti at the Senate Hall. The Vice Chancellor attributed the suspension to alleged procedural lapses and administrative mismanagement by the Registrar, which, he claimed, led to unrest on campus.
However, the Syndicate—the statutory authority responsible for appointments and disciplinary actions—convened on July 6, 2025 and passed a resolution revoking the suspension. Acting on the decision, Prof Anilkumar resumed office and formally took charge.
Despite this, the Vice Chancellor subsequently issued a new set of orders asserting that the Registrar remained suspended. These directions barred university staff from processing any files through him or granting him access to the campus. The petitioner, in his plea, describes this as a "colourable exercise of power".
Prof Anilkumar argues that the VC does not possess independent authority to suspend the Registrar, who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Syndicate alone. He maintains that any emergency suspension invoked under Section 10(13) of the Act requires ratification by the Syndicate at its next sitting—a step that was fulfilled when the body revoked the order.
He has requested the Court to annul the Vice Chancellor’s latest directives and to ensure that he can resume his responsibilities without interference. The matter is scheduled for hearing on Monday for consideration of interim relief.
(With Live Law Inputs)