KUFOS VC appointment: HC stays further actions on Governor's move to form search committee

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the further actions on Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's move to form a search committee for the appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). The court issued the interim order on a petition filed by the state government challenging the notification issued by the Governor to form the search committee.

Justice Ziyad Rehman directed the Chancellor to file an affidavit within two weeks clarifying the authority of the Chancellor to form the search committee. The court will hear the petition again on August 8.

The court observed that it is necessary to hear the explanation of all the parties in the matter. The members of the search committee formed by the Governor are Jammu Central University VC Dr Sanjeev Jain, CUSAT Ex-VC Dr PK Abdul Aziz and Indian Council for Agricultural Research Deputy Director General Dr JK Jena.

The Governor will file an appeal in the division bench against the stay order issued by the High Court. The Governor decided to file the appeal as he is concerned that the court may soon issue a stay on the formation of search committees in other universities in the state as well.