KOCHI: The division bench of the Kerala High Court has quashed the appointment of K Riji John, the vice chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos). The court accepted the plea that the appointment of the VC was not in accordance with the UGC rules. The plea was considered by the bench led by the chief justice.

Dr K K Vijayan of Ernakulam, who was on the VC appointment list, moved the court alleging that Riji John does not have the sufficient qualifications. As per UGC norms, ten years working experience as a professor in a university is required. However, the petitioner's contention was that Riji John did not have this.

The government's claim was that the UGC criteria was not applicable for the appointment of Kufos VC. Riji John is a person who came to Kufos from Fisheries University of Tamil Nadu as dean. He applied by including three years of work experience which is the duration of PhD. Meantime, Riji John said he would respond after knowing the details of the verdict.