‘I respect the court’s decision, will consult legal experts’, Priya Varghese responds after HC verdict

KOCHI: Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister's private secretary KK Ragesh, has responded to the High Court verdict which stated that she does not have enough teaching experience to become an associate professor in Kannur university. “I respect the court verdict. The next steps will be decided after consulting with legal experts”, said Priya as soon as the verdict came out.

Justice Devan Ramachandran said while considering the petition challenging the appointment of Priya Varghese that the UGC guidelines cannot be overridden. The court also clarified that deputation in Bhasha Institute cannot be considered as teaching experience. The High court has directed to rearrange the rank list while considering the plea filed by second rank holder Professor Joseph Skaria.

The Kerala High Court also criticized the Facebook post of Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister's Private Secretary KK Ragesh, which was a veiled dig at the judge's remark. The court said that teachers should be among the best people in society. "Those who haven't worked as teachers cannot be considered as having teaching experience. Continuous teaching experience is required for the post of associate professor", the court added. He also asked if Priya got any teaching experience during the research period.

The second ranker, Prof. Joseph Skaria, approached the High Court claiming that Priya Varghese was placed first in the rank list in violation of the UGC rules and demanded that Priya Varghese be removed from the list. The High Court had earlier clarified that the appointment of Priya Varghese can be proceeded only as per the UGC rules.