Kerala University deadlock eases as V-C agrees to Syndicate demand to replace Registrar in-charge

The prolonged administrative deadlock at Kerala University appeared to move towards resolution after Vice-Chancellor (V-C) in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal accepted the Syndicate’s decision to remove Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen from the post of Registrar in-charge.

The Syndicate meeting held on Tuesday decided to hand over the additional charge to Resmi R., Joint Registrar (Campus Administration).

Shortly after the meeting got under way, Left-backed members raised objections to Dr. Kappen’s participation in the meeting. She had been appointed in place of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar, whose suspension is under consideration by the Kerala High Court.

Although Dr. Kappen had submitted a letter seeking to be relieved of the post from August 18, the V-C had requested her to continue until further orders. However, with pressure mounting, the V-cC agreed to delegate the responsibility.

Although the name of Joint Registrar (Administration) P. Harikumar was initially suggested as her replacement, the V-C pointed out that disciplinary proceedings against him made him ineligible for the role. Consequently, the Syndicate decided to entrust the duties of the Registrar to Ms. Resmi.

While some Syndicate members also proposed granting leave to Dr. Kumar until a final decision is made on his court petition, the V-C rejected the suggestion, stating that there were no provisions to grant leave to a suspended employee.

The Syndicate also approved the award of PhD degrees to 62 candidates. Administrative sanction was also accorded to certain activities planned under the PM-USHA scheme. It was resolved to fully utilise the allocation of ₹100 crore under the scheme within its deadline of March 31, 2026.

Left-backed Syndicate members described the replacement of Dr. Kappen as a victory, considering it was made despite strong opposition from BJP-affiliated Syndicate members and the V-C. Syndicate member G. Muralidharan said the Left strongly resisted attempts to destabilise the university and disrupt the Syndicate meeting to pave the way for the decision.

However, BJP-backed member P.S. Gopakumar asserted that the Left was ultimately forced to abandon its rigid demand for Dr. Kumar’s reinstatement and instead accept the pragmatic decision to assign his responsibilities to another official.