Kerala HC gives nod to KTU VC in-charge to continue until new appointment

Justice Devan Ramachandran has refused to stay the appointment as sought by the state government and stated that the Governor as the Chancellor has the right to make appointments based on UGC regulations.

Kerala High Court has given nod to Ciza Thomas to continue as the Vice-Chancellor in-charge of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. However, it has directed the Kerala government to constitute a selection committee and appoint a Vice-Chancellor as soon as possible.

Justice Devan Ramachandran has refused to stay the appointment as sought by the state government and stated that the Governor as the Chancellor has the right to make appointments based on UGC regulations.

"...requesting the university, Chancellor and the UGC to give their nominees and constitute a search and selection committee and appoint the Vice-Chancellor as early as possible, if possible within three to four months," the court said, as reported by NDTV.

The court also observed that "the Governor had considered all possible options before appointing Thomas."

It must be noted that the Kerala High Court had earlier refused to stay the appointment of Kerala Technical University Vice-Chancellor in-charge. The court, while accepting that the authority to recommend the name of the Vice-Chancellor rests with the state government, accepted the Governor's contention that temporary appointments can be made in accordance with the UGC rules and regulations.

The court said that "such litigations affect the morale of the students and the academicians and cannot allow tarnishing the image of our universities".

Justice Ramachandran said "Thomas has the necessary qualifications as prescribed by the UGC." The court also observed that it would be better if the two functionaries have ironed out their difference as normally done.

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