Governor stays appointment of Priya Varghese, action taken using Chancellor's power, issues cause notice to Kannur VC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has issued an order staying the proceedings in the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister's private secretary K K Ragesh as the Associate professor in Kannur university. The action was taken as per the Chancellor's power. The Governor had earlier said that he would not tolerate nepotism as long as he serves as the chancellor. He also said that he will not allow violations of the rules. It is reported that the rank list may be cancelled. A cause notice has been issued to Kannur VC Dr Gopinath Ravindran.

Vice Chancellor Dr Gopinath Ravindran said that the order of appointment of Priya Varghese in Kannur University will be issued within two days. The appointment is delayed due to pending similarity checking. The Vice-Chancellor also stated that the appointment order will be issued once this is completed. He also informed that the university faces no difficulty in this regard. Following this, the Governor issued order cancelling the legal proceedings.