KOCHI: The High Court has asked why the representative of senate was not nominated to the search committee to select Kerala University VC. The court was hearing the plea filed by 15 members against their dismissa from the senate by the governor, who is also the chancellor.

“How will the University function without a Vice Chancellor? The court's priority is the students’ future. It is the institution and its functioning that is important, not the individuals. The continuation of the complications would tarnish the name of the university,” said Justice Devan Ramachandran. The case will be heard again today.

Petitioners should clarify today whether the matter of nominating a representative to the search committee will be included in the agenda when the senate meets on the 4th of this month. The court may allow all 15 ousted senate members to participate. The key is to fix the problem as soon as possible. Actions should be taken in accordance with UGC rules. The court also reminded that questioning individuals should not amount to challenging the law.

The ousting of senate members was due to a dispute with the governor over appointing a search committee for the appointment of VC. Planning Board Vice Chairperson Dr VK Ramachandran was recommended. When he withdrew, a new member had to be found. The petitioners alleged that the governor rushed to form the committee without a representative of the senate and without giving them time and this is against the University Act and the UGC guidelines.