The Supreme Court has urged the Kerala government and the Governor to collaborate and appoint regular Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology. The Bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, stressed that administrative disagreements must not compromise students’ academic interests.

Pending appointments, the Court permitted the Governor, in his role as Chancellor, to either extend the tenures of the current interim VCs or make new temporary appointments. The judges made it clear that the focus should remain on education and not authority. “Why should students suffer due to this litigation? This is not about who holds power, but about securing students’ futures,” the Court remarked.

The legal dispute stems from notifications dated November 27, 2024, through which Dr K Sivaprasad and Dr Ciza Thomas were appointed as interim VCs of KTU and Digital University, respectively. On May 19, 2025, a single judge of the Kerala High Court invalidated both appointments, although the appointees were allowed to remain until May 27, 2025, to avoid disruption. A Division Bench upheld the ruling, prompting the Governor to approach the apex court.

Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Chancellor, highlighted that disagreements over the State's role in temporary appointments have become a recurring issue. He explained that the deadlock between the Governor and the State government had necessitated stop-gap arrangements to ensure continuity in University administration.

Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the State, noted that the High Court’s single judge had also instructed the government to proceed with appointing permanent VCs. He added that a prior interim appointment had been similarly struck down on comparable grounds.

The apex court observed that legal counsel on both sides held key responsibilities in ending the impasse. “Mr Gupta, you have a crucial role. Mr Attorney and you can sort it out. We are only concerned with students,” said Justice Pardiwala. The case has been posted for further hearing on August 13.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)