Kerala University V-C suspends Registrar, sparks political row and legal showdown
The suspension, which has triggered both political backlash and the prospect of legal confrontation, relates to the event at here Senate Hall where a function was 'disrupted' over the display of the controversial Bharat Mata portrait.
The Vice-Chancellor invoked special powers under Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, 1974, citing 'urgency,' and suspended Dr. Kumar with immediate effect for 'wilful disobedience, insubordination and dereliction of duty.'
Dr. Kumar has announced his intention to legally challenge the disciplinary action, setting the stage for a prolonged dispute and potential administrative gridlock. In the interim, Joint Registrar (Administration) P. Harikumar has been appointed to officiate as Registrar.
In a curious turn of events, Raj Bhavan later issued an order appointing Digital University Kerala Vice-Chancellor in-charge Ciza Thomas to officiate as Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University until July 8. This was necessitated by Prof. Kunnummal's travel to Russia, sources said.
Dr. Kumar's suspension comes just days after the Vice-Chancellor recommended an inquiry to Raj Bhavan, accusing Dr. Kumar of misconduct for allegedly issuing an order to cancel the event while the Governor was on stage and the National Anthem was being played.
Dr. Kumar, however, refuted the charge, asserting that the cancellation order was issued before the Governor arrived on the campus.
Sources indicated that the Vice-Chancellor had advised Dr. Kumar not to interfere with the programme, describing it as a 'private event.'
The Registrar was also accused of addressing the media from a stage 'sanitised for anti-terror activities.'
The Vice-Chancellor's report claimed that Dr. Kumar's actions were prejudicial to the university's interests and warranted disciplinary action.
The suspension has drawn a sharp rebuke from the State government. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu condemned the move as a blatant violation of rules and an overreach of authority.
'There is no provision in the university Act, statutes or regulations that allows the Vice-Chancellor to unilaterally suspend the Registrar. The authority to take disciplinary action against the Registrar lies solely with the Syndicate, which is the appointing authority. At best, the Vice-Chancellor can refer the matter to the Syndicate,' she said.
Dr. Bindu also alleged that the Vice-Chancellor's action appeared ideologically motivated rather than administrative. 'He has shown open affiliations with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed efforts,' she added.
Left-backed Syndicate members also accused the Vice-Chancellor of bypassing established procedures by misusing his authority. They also warned that any disciplinary action not ratified by the Syndicate could be overturned.
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