Thiruvananthapuram: Dr Ciza Thomas and Dr K Sivaprasad have been appointed interim Vice Chancellors of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), respectively, following a Supreme Court directive.

Dr Ciza Thomas, former Senior Joint Director at the Directorate of Technical Education, will serve for six months or until a regular Vice Chancellor is appointed, whichever is earlier. Dr Sivaprasad, a professor in the Department of Ship Technology at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), has been assigned additional charge as KTU VC for the same duration.

Both appointments were made in compliance with the Supreme Court's order dated July 30, 2025. The official notifications were signed by Dr Davendra Kumar Dhodawat IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor and Chancellor of both universities.

The Supreme Court urged the Kerala government and the Governor to work together to appoint regular Vice Chancellors. A Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasised that administrative tussles must not jeopardise students’ academic interests.

Pending regular appointments, the court permitted the Chancellor to either extend the tenures of interim VCs or make fresh temporary appointments. The judges made it clear that “the focus should remain on education, not authority”.

The case stems from government notifications issued on November 27, 2024, appointing Dr Sivaprasad and Dr Thomas as interim VCs of KTU and Digital University. On May 19, 2025, a single bench of the Kerala High Court struck down both appointments, although the incumbents were allowed to continue until May 27 to avoid disruption. A Division Bench upheld the verdict, prompting the Governor to approach the Supreme Court. The case is next listed for hearing on August 13.