Attended meeting dissolved by VC; Kerala University Joint Registrar P Harikumar removed from post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University has taken disciplinary action against Joint Registrar P Harikumar for attending a meeting that was dissolved by the Vice-Chancellor. Harikumar has been removed from the post of Joint Registrar of Administration and transferred to the Academic section. The action was reportedly taken on the grounds that Harikumar handed over responsibilities to a suspended Registrar without the VC's permission. Currently, Mini Kappan has been entrusted with the responsibilities of the Registrar, while Hema Anand has been given charge of the Administration Department.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ciza Thomas had earlier sought an explanation from Harikumar regarding the developments during the Syndicate meeting. He was instructed to submit his explanation before 9 am today. However, Harikumar went on leave without submitting the explanation, following which the decision was taken to remove him from the post of Joint Registrar.

The Vice Chancellor had accused Harikumar of participating in a meeting even after it was officially dissolved — an act deemed unauthorised. The other day, the VC had said that all decisions made after the dissolution of the Syndicate meeting were legally invalid. The situation escalated further after reports emerged that Dr. K.S. Anilkumar, who had been under suspension, resumed duties as University Registrar on Sunday. The VC emphasised that this was being viewed very seriously by the University. Reports suggested that Anilkumar assumed charge following a directive issued by Harikumar during the Syndicate meeting.

However, Left-aligned Syndicate members claim that Anilkumar resumed duties following a valid Syndicate resolution. They argue that the Syndicate has the authority to appoint the Registrar and revoke suspensions, and that the Vice-Chancellor cannot override the Syndicate’s powers. According to them, the resolution passed by the Syndicate revoking Anilkumar's suspension remains in force.