Kerala University accuses 2 Syndicate members of intimidating staff, files police complaint
The University further stated that individual Syndicate members have no power to interfere in administrative functions, summon staff, or demand files on their own.
The University further stated that individual Syndicate members have no power to interfere in administrative functions, summon staff, or demand files on their own.
The University further stated that individual Syndicate members have no power to interfere in administrative functions, summon staff, or demand files on their own.
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the ongoing tussle over the appointment of vice-chancellors in the state's universities, a police complaint has been filed against two Syndicate members of the University of Kerala for allegedly intimidating employees and issuing unlawful instructions. The complaint, formally submitted to the Vice-Chancellor by staff organisations, alleges that the members summoned several employees, including women staff, to the Syndicate room, raised their voices, and behaved in a threatening manner.
Registrar (in-charge) Mini Kappen confirmed that the complaint has been forwarded to the police and termed the alleged conduct as criminal. In an official statement, she clarified that Syndicate members are only authorised to act in officially convened meetings chaired or approved by the Vice-Chancellor. Any instructions issued outside such meetings lack legal authority and are considered ultra vires.
The University further stated that individual Syndicate members have no power to interfere in administrative functions, summon staff, or demand files on their own. All officers and staff have been directed not to respond to such directives and to report any such incidents directly to the Vice-Chancellor.
The internal crisis comes amid an ongoing row between the state government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Chancellor of state universities, over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.
On Sunday, Ministers P Rajeev and R Bindu met the Governor at Raj Bhavan in an effort to resolve the impasse. The meeting follows a Supreme Court directive asking both sides to hold discussions and find a resolution. Minister Rajeev said the talks had already begun before the court’s intervention, and Sunday’s meeting was part of that ongoing process.