Thenhipalam: The University of Calicut has found itself embroiled in controversy after its syndicate decided to regularise the admission of a student to the B.Ed English course under the merit quota, even though the student’s name did not figure in the official merit list.

Some students have already lodged complaints in this regard with the Vice-Chancellor, demanding that the permission granted for this unauthorised regularisation be revoked. The decision pertains to an admission made by a self-financing college in Palakkad district.

Earlier, the Student Admissions Department of the varsity had rejected the proposal to regularise the student’s admission, pointing out that the individual did not even submit an application for admission to the college concerned.

Although the syndicate’s decision has been communicated to the Admission Department, officials there maintain that the matter can only be settled in accordance with university rules.

Meanwhile, some opposition members in the syndicate have distanced themselves from the decision, claiming they cannot be held responsible for an irregular move influenced by a particular syndicate member.

Critics maintain that the syndicate’s decision to approve an admission by flouting university and NCTE norms also sets a troubling precedent.