Kerala University controversy: Registrar applies for indefinite leave from July 9; VC questions relevance of leave request

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid ongoing controversies at the University of Kerala, the Registrar has submitted a leave application. Registrar K.S. Anilkumar has requested indefinite leave starting from July 9. However, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal questioned the relevance of a leave request from someone who is currently under suspension.

In his application, Anilkumar cited health issues and requested leave for treatment. He also suggested that his responsibilities be assigned either to the Controller of Examinations or to the Registrar of the Karyavattom campus. However, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the application holds no validity.

The Governor had earlier clarified that the parallel Syndicate meeting, which revoked Anilkumar's suspension, was illegal and that the decisions made in the meeting are not valid as they were not approved by the VC. As per the Governor, Anilkumar's suspension still stands, and his presence in office is unlawful. The Governor had directed the Vice-Chancellor to ask Anilkumar to vacate the premises and instruct him not to enter the office without permission.

The Governor maintained that the decisions made in the parallel meeting are not even worth the paper they are written on, reaffirming that Anilkumar remains suspended. The Governor also indicated that the VC may issue a fresh order reiterating this. The Governor has granted the Vice-Chancellor full authority in this regard. The Governor deemed the meeting conducted by the Left-aligned Syndicate members as invalid and ruled that both the session and its decisions have no legal standing.

The Vice-Chancellor must sign twice to approve and implement any decision made by the Syndicate. Even after approving a decision, the Vice-Chancellor has the authority to withhold its implementation.