Ciza Thomas should appear for hearing on her retirement day; govt comes up with further action

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has directed Dr Ciza Thomas to attend a hearing tomorrow for taking charge as interim VC of KTU without government approval. Earlier, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) had rejected the plea filed by Ciza Thomas demanding the withdrawal of the show cause notice issued by the government alleging violation of rules in the appointment of the VC. The government directed Ciza Thomas to appear for the hearing after the tribunal stated that it can take further action on the matter. As a result, Ciza Thomas, who is retiring tomorrow (March 31), will have to appear before the Additional Secretary of the Education Department tomorrow at 11.30 am.

The government had issued a show-cause notice to Ciza Thomas for assuming the temporary charge of KTU VC without its permission. It sought an explanation from her for violating the law as a government official. When the tribunal considered Ciza's petition on March 16, it directed her to file a reply within a week. It also directed the government to file a reply to the petition and not take any action until the case is considered again. The tribunal rejected Ciza's plea when it considered the case today. The tribunal, which said that the government can take further action, added that it should hear what Ciza has to say before taking action.