THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The governor may immediately sack the four vice-chancellors who were found to have irregularities in their appointment. The vice-chancellors of Calicut (Dr. MK Jayaraj), Sanskrit (Dr. MV Narayanan), Open (PM Mubarak Pasha) and Digital (Dr. Saji Gopinath) universities may be removed for appointment in violation of UGC rules. 10 VCs including them were given notice of removal earlier. Four VCs approached the High Court against this. The High Court had directed the Governor to take a decision within six weeks after hearing the VCs.

The legal entanglement is for the appointment of VCs of Kerala, MG, CUSAT, Malayalam, Agriculture, Technology, Fisheries, Kannur, Calicut, Sanskrit, Open and Digital Universities. The courts have already removed the technical, fisheries and Kannur University VCs. Kerala, MG, CUSAT, Malayalam and Agriculture VCs vacated their posts due to the expiry of their term. The court has asked the governor to take a decision after assessing whether there has been a violation of the UGC Act in the case of the remaining four VCs.

The High Court had stayed further proceedings by the time the VCs were given a notice of removal and the hearing was held in October 2022. No decision was made even a year later. With the High Court verdict, the Governor has an opportunity to take action. The Digital University VC is now in charge of the Technical University. If he is removed by the Governor, the Technical University will also be without an in charge. According to the order of the High Court, the decision should be taken according to the Supreme Court order which cancelled the appointment of Dr MS Rajasree, who was the VC of the Technical University. The hearing for four VCs will be held in February.