Governor against Kannur University VC for giving approval for college to a Trust, which does not have requisite land

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kannur University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gopinath Ravindran, had given a report to the Governor, explaining that he used his special authority to grant approval for a college to TKC Trust in Kasaragod. The Trust did not have enough land for the college as stipulated by UGC guidelines.

However, the Governor rejected his report and ordered him to submit a written explanation about the situation in which the VC took the authority of the Syndicate in giving approval to the college. With this, the conflict between the Governor and Kannur University VC has entered a new high.

The High Court found that the VC violated misused his authority and canceled the approval to the college and also the government’s permission for that. The TKC Trust which sought the approval, only had three and a half acres of land, including a paddy field, when UGC stipulates that five acres of land are needed.

Even after the Trust informed about this, the VC ordered the inspection and gave approval for the college, without the knowledge of the Syndicate.

The Vice-Chancellor informed the Governor that the Higher Education Department had given approval for the college.

The High Court had also canceled the posting of unqualified persons to the Board of Studies without the knowledge of the Governor. The Governor has also rejected the list sent by the VC.

The High Court also upheld the decision of the Governor to stay the appointment of the wife of the Chief Minister’s private secretary, KK Ragesh. The Governor is waiting for the final verdict of the High Court in the illegal appointment case.

The High Court has said that granting the approval for the college is a misuse of authority by the Vice Chancellor. The court also observed that the VC is not above the law. Action must be taken if it is found that the VC misused his authority.

The appointing authority, the Governor, must give permission to register a case against the Vice Chancellor. The Governor, who is annoyed by the VC for being reappointment by duping him, is expected to give the permission to register the case against the Vice Chancellor.