VC files report against Minister Bindu, hands it over to Governor; unusual crisis in Kerala University

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University's vice-chancellor has filed a report against Higher Education Minister R Bindu regarding the kerfuffle over the University Senate meeting. It is alleged in the report that the minister gratuitously chaired the meeting which was in fact scheduled by the Vice Chancellor himself.

Despite pointing out the violation of law, the minister remained steadfast that she would chair the meeting in the absence of the Chancellor. According to the report, the resolution which was said to have been passed by the Senate was not previously included in the agenda. The VC included the names suggested in the meeting. The names of the nominees to the search committee were also forwarded.

The chances of Governor Arif Khan cancelling the senate's decision to not provide a representative to the search committee, constituted to appoint the Vice-Chancellor, were strongly rumoured in media circles. Governor Arif Muhammad Khan had also sought legal advice on the matter. He asked for a detailed report after Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal visited Raj Bhavan and explained what happened in the Senate meeting.

The Governor will take further steps after examining the legal aspects of the meeting chaired by Minister R Bindu, who is also the Pro-Chancellor. Considering the complaints related to this, the Governor may cancel the previously held Senate meeting and may reconvene another meeting with a proposal to select a university representative for the search committee.

If not, based on the report of the VC, a search committee may be formed including the names suggested by the opposition members in the Senate meeting. Otherwise, a search committee will be formed on its own without a representative of the university.

Meeting will be cancelled; Governor will inform minister of his displeasure
1. As Minister R Bindu presided over the meeting using the non-existent powers of the Pro-Chancellor, the Governor will cancel the meeting after sending a show-cause notice to the Registrar
2. The Governor will inform the minister, who is the Pro-Chancellor, of his displeasure for taking illegal action. He may also give her a warning not to repeat this.
3. The Governor will ask the VC to reconvene the Senate to elect the search committee member. Both the names given by the Governor's nominees and UDF members will be rejected.

No one has sovereign authority, says minister
Minister R Bindu said in a press conference that no one has sovereign authority in the matters of the university. "The Pro-Chancellor may preside in the absence of the Governor. There is no need for the Governor to give permission for it. Although the meeting was called illegally, the left members decided to participate and express their stance. The meeting for the appointment was held again according to the same act that caused many VCs to be fired earlier. VC said that two names have come up. No one made suggestions or supported the names. Since there is a conflict between the university rules and the UGC Act, we will approach the court seeking clarification," the minister said.

Minister needs written direction of Chancellor to perform duties of Chancellor
The Governor attends Senate meetings only to approve honorary degrees. The VC is the permanent chairman. The Pro-Chancellor needs the written direction of the Chancellor to perform the duties of the Chancellor. Neither the Raj Bhavan nor the Chancellor asked for her to be the chairperson of the Senate. A minister can attend the Senate meeting but cannot chair it.