KOCHI: A setback for the governor in the appointment of vice chancellor in the Kerala Technical University (KTU). The division bench clarified that the government should suggest a new VC. The high court quashed the single bench order to form a search committee to appoint a permanent VC. The high court also clarified that the appointment of Ciza Thomas will not be cancelled as she was appointed temporarily under special circumstances. The government’s plea demanded to cancel the appointment of Ciza Thomas. After the single bench rejected this demand, a plea was filed in the division bench.

However, the appointment is not revoked as the decision was taken by the Governor in special circumstances. Meantime, under the KTU Act, the government has to give the names for the appointment of interim VC. However, the appointment of Ciza Thomas was from outside the names given by the government. The government can hand over the list for appointment of new interim VC. The list of eligible candidates as per UGC criteria should be forwarded to the Chancellor. The division bench also clarified that the chancellor can take an appropriate decision after getting the list.