'Unprecedented move'; Vice Chancellor uses 'special powers' to suspend Registrar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University vice chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal suspended the Registrar using the special powers under Section 10(13) of the University Act.

In the event of an emergency, the VC can take action using the powers of the syndicate and the academic council in the absence of a syndicate or academic council. It is only required to inform about the decision in the next syndicate or academic council. Normally, VCs do not take drastic action using this power. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of the agendas of the syndicate meetings are to report urgent decisions. Before leaving for Russia, the VC has forwarded the information on the investigation and action against the registrar for the consideration of the syndicate.

The syndicate members say that the suspension will be revoked and the registrar will be allowed to continue. However, the VC, who is the chairman of the syndicate, should convene the meeting or should assign someone else to convene the meeting. The syndicate should meet once in sixty days. The last meeting was 10 days ago. Even if the syndicate members hold a meeting and make a decision, it requires approval from the Vice Chancellor.

“The special power was misused by the vice chancellor. This has not received the approval of the syndicate,” said Left syndicate member Dr. S. Naseeb