VC freezes move to approach court against Governor's order

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Calicut University Vice-Chancellor Dr P Raveendran has directed the Registrar to freeze the syndicate's move to approach the High Court against the Governor's order quashing the syndicate's decision suspending Calicut University Instrumentation Engineer Sajid and downgrading him to Junior Engineer. The Registrar has been asked to freeze the move until a further order is issued.

According to the University Act, if the VC or the syndicate takes action against an officer in the University, the officer has the right to file an appeal against the action. Once the appellate authority (Chancellor) disposes of the appeal, the law does not allow the VC or the syndicate to approach the court against it. The Chancellor is the head of the university.

The legal advice provided by Adv PC Sasidharan against the Chancellor's decision did not mention based on which section should a case be filed against the Governor's action. As such, legal experts believe it cannot be considered legal advice.

The Vice-Chancellor is of the view that the syndicate's decision will lead to wrong practices and serious legal issues. The VC is against wasting the University's reputation, time and money through unnecessary court proceedings.

Earlier, a controversy had erupted when the Vice Chancellor of the Kalamandalam (deemed to be university) filed a petition against the Governor's order. Kalamandalam VC had to later withdraw the plea based on the government's directive.