THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Raj Bhavan has issued an order withdrawing 15 members of the senate of Kerala University. Governor had earlier directed the Kerala university VC to issue withdrawal order today itself, but he failed to do so. Thus, Raj Bhavan issued such an order and has informed the Vice Chancellor about the gazette notification.

Governor Arif Mohammad Khan had earlier instructed VC to issue order sacking 15 senate members today itself. These members absence in the Senate meeting caused incompletion of the quorum. The governor gave the ultimatum to VC that he is the administrative head of the university and that his order should be implemented immediately. All orders of the governor are signed by the Secretary. The governor also stated that the secretary is the one who signs all orders appointing the vice chancellor and nomination of senate members. “If the withdrawal is illegal, let them approach court. I am bound to act as per the direction of the court. The head of departments who were the ex-officio members were nominated when P Sadashivam was the governor,” said Khan. The governor pointed out that he has the authority to replace them and appoint new department heads.