Kerala CM Denies Setback After Supreme Court Verdict on Kannur VC Appointment

PALAKKAD: In a recent address during the Navakerala Sadas event at Kulapulli, Shornur, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the media dismissing claims that the Supreme Court's cancellation of Kannur VC Prof Gopinath Ravindran's appointment was a setback for the government. CM clarified that both the single bench and division bench of the High Court had previously ruled in favor of Ravindran's re-appointment and the Supreme Court had upheld those judgments.

Vijayan highlighted that the courts found no flaws in the recruitment process discrediting the assertions made by vested interests. He emphasized that the government had not infringed upon the chancellor's authority to make decisions. However, he criticized the Chancellor, Governor Arif Muhammad Khan for misrepresenting facts, leading to the Supreme Court's adverse ruling.

The Chief Minister clarified the sequence of events, stating that the Advocate General's legal advice was relayed to the Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education, not directly to the Chancellor's office. He also mentioned that representatives from his office met the Chancellor as requested.

Adding to the discussion, CPM State Secretary MV Govindan criticized the Governor's actions stating that they undermined the Constitution. Govindan mentioned the general public sentiment calling for the Governor's resignation due to his refusal to comply with the Supreme Court's directives and his actions in sending bills passed by the assembly to the President despite a court reference.

Regarding the Kannur VC issue, Govindan clarified that the courts did not dismiss the government's arguments but based their verdict on the Governor's explanation. He refuted claims of external pressure from the Chief Minister asserting that the Minister of Higher Education's letter was part of routine communication with the Chancellor.

Govindan highlighted the opposition faced by the VC from RSS chief and accused the Governor of supporting these stances. He also addressed the temporary halt of funds collection for the Navakerala Sadas, asserting it wasn't a setback for the government, affirming that the government would determine its course of action in response to the verdict.