Another double blow for government; Agricultural University VC and Technological University PVC likely to be ousted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government, which moved the High Court against the appointment of Technological University's temporary VC Dr Ciza Thomas, has suffered another double blow in addition to losing the case. During the hearing in the case, the High Court found that Agricultural University temporary VC Ishita Roy and Technological University PVC Dr S Ayoob are ineligible. With this, both of them are likely to be ousted from their respective positions.

Technological University VC Dr Ciza Thomas has initiated action to issue a notice to oust PVC. Raj Bhavan has informed her that the VC can take legal action in this regard. The High Court will hear the petition filed by a professor of the Agricultural University against the appointment of Ishita Roy on Friday. The petition has been filed making the Chancellor the opposite party. According to the petitioners, the order in the Ciza Thomas case is also applicable to Ishita Roy.

The High Court order states that only academic experts who have been professors for 10 years should be appointed as VCs even while giving temporary charge of VCs. With this, the Governor's appointment of Ishita Roy as the vice chancellor of the Agricultural University, after the government's recommendation, will have to be revoked. One of the senior professors of the university is likely to be given the charge of VC.

Ayoob was recommended to be made PVC when Dr MS Rajasree, who was recently fired by the Supreme Court, served as Technological University VC. The PVC is appointed by the syndicate on the recommendation of the VC. Since the appointment of Rajasree itself was invalidated by the Supreme Court, the appointment on her recommendation is also not valid. Moreover, as per university rules, the term of PVC expires along with the expiry of VC's term. Justice Devan Ramachandran has opined that since the Supreme Court ruled that the first step of appointing Rajasree as VC was invalid, it should be assessed that Rajasree did not hold the position of VC, and therefore PVC cannot continue. PVC did not come to the office on Wednesday.