Kerala University VC forbids John Brittas' lecture at varsity; will attend event, says Brittas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Citing violation of Election Code of Conduct, University of Kerala Vice Chancellor forbid the lecture of John Brittas to be delivered at the university. The theme of the lecture was 'Indian Democracy Challenges and Responsibilities'.

The monthly lecture series was organized by the University Employees' Union, a left-wing employee organization. The program was supposed to be held in the University Employees Hall today at 1.15 pm. The union office bearers said that neither the Election Commission nor the University Registrar had given any instructions not to hold the event. "A lecture series is conducted every month. It has nothing to do with the election. The series is not a public event. The program is held in the Union Hall", they said.

Meanwhile, John Brittas spoke against the VC on the issue. He said that people who do not have a clear understanding of what democracy is are in the VC's position. "It is the VC who should organize the debate. Can the VC give such an order? I will attend the event. It is not a violation of code of conduct. Shouldn't the people know what democracy is? Arrogance and servitude produces such orders," John Brittas said.