SFI blocks Ciza Thomas; varsity to inform court that VC was well within authority to suspend Registrar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tensions flared at the University of Kerala as SFI activists blocked Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas at the university gate on Thursday afternoon. As Dr. Thomas arrived, protesters jumped in front of her vehicle, prompting swift intervention by the police, who had been deployed in anticipation of possible unrest. The police removed the activists, allowing the VC to proceed to her office through the main entrance. Notably, the previous day, she had entered through an alternative gate near the Syndicate Hall. SFI continued its protest even after the VC left the premises.

The agitation comes amid ongoing controversy over the suspension of University Registrar Dr K.S. Anilkumar in connection with the Bharat Mata portrait row. Senior Joint Registrar P. Harikumar officially took over the Registrar's responsibilities on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the university is preparing to submit an affidavit to the Kerala High Court in response to Dr. Anilkumar’s petition challenging his suspension. The Vice-Chancellor has directed the university's Standing Counsel to handle the matter. A draft affidavit has been prepared and handed over to legal counsel.

The affidavit will assert that the Vice-Chancellor acted within his legal authority in suspending the Registrar. It will clarify that the suspension is not a disciplinary action, but a temporary step pending a detailed inquiry. The university will also inform the court that a Syndicate subcommittee has been formed to conduct the investigation.

In a related development, Dr. Ciza Thomas is expected to respond today to a letter from Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, who criticized the suspension and urged its withdrawal. In her reply, the VC will reportedly state that she does not have the authority to revoke the suspension unilaterally and that the decision must be taken in a Syndicate meeting. The response will also highlight that the matter is listed for hearing in the High Court on Monday.