Kerala University Registrar’s Suspension Revoked by Syndicate

Thiruvananthapuram: The Syndicate of Kerala University has overturned the Vice-Chancellor’s decision to suspend the Registrar, declaring the action a violation of established regulations. The decision was taken at a Syndicate meeting held on Sunday. A majority of Syndicate members voted in favour of revoking the suspension, overriding the dissenting opinion of Dr. Sisa Thomas, who currently holds interim charge as Vice-Chancellor.

While attending the meeting, Dr. Sisa Thomas was initially reluctant to even discuss the matter. When the Syndicate voted to revoke the suspension, she voiced her dissent and walked out in protest, stating that she could not accept the decision taken by the Syndicate.

A resolution was tabled seeking the withdrawal of Registrar Dr. K S Anilkumar’s suspension. Additionally, the Syndicate appointed an inquiry committee comprising Dr. Shijukhan, Dr. Naseeb, and Dr. G Muralidharan to investigate the matter.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohan Kunnummal had suspended the Registrar following instructions from the Raj Bhavan. The action stemmed from the Registrar’s objection to a photograph displayed during an RSS event in the university’s Senate Hall, which featured a woman holding the saffron flag. He had reportedly demanded the removal of the image and informed the organisers that the event would be cancelled due to violation of university norms.

The Vice-Chancellor's decision to suspend the Registrar was seen as an overreach of authority, bypassing the Syndicate, which alone is empowered to take disciplinary action against statutory officers such as the Registrar.

The Registrar has filed a petition challenging the suspension, which will be heard by the High Court on Monday. The petition argues that the Vice-Chancellor’s action is invalid, as it was carried out without the approval of the Syndicate, and seeks to have the suspension formally annulled.