Governor and govt in legal tangle: Efforts made to settle the issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While both the Governor and the government were at odds over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University, efforts are being made to settle the matter without further provocation.

The governor will reach Thiruvananthapuram on Friday night. Either the CM or a team of ministers is likely to meet him on the next day as part of conciliatory efforts. Efforts are also being made via the governor's secretary. With the Governor and the Higher Education Minister getting caught in a legal tangle, the state government is hoping that both sides will soon reach a consensus.

Meanwhile, the Opposition will be approaching the Lokayukta against Minister R Bindu alleging abuse of power and breach of oath. The minister had sent letters to the governor recommending the reappointment of Dr Gopinath Raveendran as the Vice Chancellor of Kannur University. In her letters, the minister had also sought the dissolution of the search committee to find the VC. On the other hand, a petition has been filed in the High Court naming the governor as the first respondent for accepting the minister's illegal recommendation and making an illegal appointment. The court has not yet considered the minister's recommendation. The High Court is yet to decide on the demand to summon the Chancellor and examine the documents in his possession.