Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University Registrar K S Anil Kumar, who was suspended following the Bharat Mata controversy involving Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, has been transferred back to his cadre institution Kumbalathu Sankupillai Memorial Devaswom Board College (KSMDB), Sasthamkotta.

According to the government order, Kumar has been allowed to return to the college under the university, following his request. The order also directed the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the college, to immediately reinstate him to service.

The move comes amid reports of a thaw between the Left government and Kerala Lok Bhavan over university administration. It follows an agreement between the state government and Raj Bhavan to appoint Vice Chancellors in two Kerala universities, ending a prolonged impasse.

Kumar was serving as registrar while also holding charge as principal of KSMDB College. His tenure was renewed by the university syndicate in February for a further four years. He was suspended in July while on deputation as registrar after allegedly issuing a notice cancelling a private programme at the Senate Hall that was attended by the governor, where a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed.

On June 25, Kumar had cancelled permission granted to Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi to use the Senate Hall for the programme, in which the governor was invited as chief guest. He denied the allegations, stating that the notice was issued before the governor arrived and that he had evidence to support his claim.

His suspension was later revoked by the Left-controlled university syndicate, challenging the decision of the Vice Chancellor, a nominee of the Chancellor.

The controversy had triggered clashes between student wings of the CPM and BJP, the Students Federation of India and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad respectively.