Kerala University Syndicate meeting scheduled for September 2 amid persisting standoff

Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal has convened a Syndicate meeting on September 2.

The move is in accordance with the university Act that mandates that Syndicate meetings be held within 60 days of the previous one. Notices in this regard were issued by Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen, who has been officiating as Registrar based on the Vice-Chancellor’s direction.

The previous Syndicate meeting, chaired by Ciza Thomas on July 6, waded into controversy after being abruptly adjourned following a commotion over the suspension of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar. However, CPI(M)-backed Syndicate members continued with the meeting, and proceeded to revoke the suspension under controversial grounds. The Vice-Chancellor remains unwilling to recognise the legal validity of the move.

Despite the controversy, Dr. Kumar has been regularly reporting for duty, despite the Vice-Chancellor having blocked his access to files and his salary. A petition filed by the Registrar in the Kerala High Court awaits verdict.