Kerala University far from consensus; VC issues show cause notice to Joint Registrar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal has taken a stricter stance amid reports that a consensus has been reached in the government-Vice Chancellor dispute following the meeting with Minister R Bindu. The VC has issued a show-cause notice to Joint Registrar P Harikumar, who issued an order withdrawing the suspension of Dr. KS Anilkumar and handing over the charge of the Registrar to him. The notice states that further action will be taken if he does not provide an explanation within 15 days. Meanwhile, the VC's order giving the charge of the Registrar to Dr. Mini Kappan has not been issued yet. The VC has transferred Joint Registrar Harikumar to the Academic Division, but he has not complied with the order.

An order signed by Joint Registrar Harikumar himself, without the permission of the VC, stating that Anilkumar's suspension was withdrawn, was sent to all departments of the university by email. VC Dr. Mohanan Kunnummel has sought an explanation from Harikumar, pointing out these issues. According to the university rules, the registrar does not have the authority to issue an order without the approval of the VC.

The action against Harikumar is an indication that the VC will not be ready for any compromise without Anilkumar - who is under suspension - leaving the campus, handing over the file link to Dr. Mini Kappan-who is in charge of the registrar, and the transfer order of the joint registrars is followed.

It is not possible to convene the syndicate immediately since the rules state that the regular syndicate shall meet within 60 days only. The syndicate meeting is scheduled to be held in the second week of next month. A petition signed by members of the Left Syndicate demanding the immediate convening of the syndicate was submitted to the VC last week.