Political drama takes centre stage at Kerala University

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An emergency syndicate meeting convened to discuss filing an affidavit in the High Court against Kerala University Registrar Dr. K.S. Anilkumar's suspension ended up in drama. Interim Vice Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas dissolved the meeting, announcing that the suspension would remain in place.

17 members of the Left and a Congress representative then met and passed a resolution cancelling the suspension. It is learnt that Anilkumar took charge within hours. It is also learnt that Joint Registrar Harikumar, who was in charge of the Registrar, handed over the charge and issued an order. While responding to the media, Dr Ciza Thomas pointed out that the syndicate decision does not have any legal validity.

The unusual incident took place as the High Court was set to consider the petition filed by Anil Kumar challenging the suspension on Monday. When the VC reported the information about Anil Kumar's suspension in the meeting, the Left members tried to present a resolution to withdraw the suspension. The Vice-Chancellor announced that she would only allow discussions on matters within the agenda, as the topic was under consideration by the court. This led to a ruckus. The VC adjourned the meeting and returned. The two members, who were BJP supporters, also staged a walkout.

The Congress-backed member and 17 Left members continued in the meeting. Senior Left Member Dr. P.M. Radhamani presided over the meeting. The meeting passed a resolution revoking the suspension of Dr. K.S. Anilkumar.

A three-member committee was appointed to investigate the incidents that took place in the Senate Hall on June 25 regarding the Bharat Mata portrait row. The committee includes syndicate members Dr. Shiju Khan, G. Muraleedharan, and Dr. Naseeb.

Joint Registrar Harikumar, who is in charge of the registrar, should have walked out along with the vice chancellor when the meeting was dissolved. However, Harikumar continued with the meeting. It is this officer who also gave the written instructions to the registrar to take charge. According to the rule, it should have been the vice chancellor’s duty to give orders to the registrar.