V-C refers Sanskrit PhD row to Kerala University Syndicate

Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal has referred to the Syndicate for consideration the issue regarding the award of a PhD degree to Sanskrit research scholar Vipin Vijayan.

The decision follows differing reports submitted by Head of the Sanskrit Department and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies C.N. Vijayakumari, the thesis examiners, and the chairperson of the open defence.

The Dean had expressed objection to awarding the PhD, while the research scholar filed a formal complaint with the Vice-Chancellor, accusing Prof. Vijayakumari of caste-based discrimination. A police case has also been registered in the issue.

The Director of Research said the university regulations lack clarity on the procedures to be followed when the Dean and the chairperson of the open defence hold conflicting views. Therefore, the official has recommended that the Vice-Chancellor take an appropriate decision in this regard. The Vice-Chancellor has forwarded this observation to the Syndicate as well. The Syndicate will take the final decision on whether to award the PhD.

Video recording sought

The Vice-Chancellor has also directed the PhD guide, who served as the convener of the open defence, to submit the video recording of the session, which was conducted in hybrid mode. The Vice-Chancellor sought the recording after complaints arose that the candidate lacked proficiency in answering questions in Sanskrit during the defence.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has sought an explanation from the Vice-Chancellor based on a complaint from the research scholar alleging caste-based discrimination. The Registrar has been assigned to prepare a detailed report.

Meanwhile, the Governor, who is also the Chancellor, has also sought a report from the Vice-Chancellor over complaints that a group of students misbehaved with the Dean during the open defence.