Expressing concern at 12 of the 13 universities in Kerala not having ‘regularly appointed’ Vice-Chancellors, the Kerala High Court has termed it a serious situation that does not augur well for the State’s higher education sector.
The court had on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by Sivaprasad A. and Priya Priyadarshan, senate members of the University of Kerala, who challenged the appointment of Mohanan Kunnummal as the Vice-Chancellor in-charge of the university by the Chancellor. The petitioners further contended that he did not have a PhD and that he had crossed 60 years of age.
‘Smooth functioning’
The court dismissed their petition, relying on the contention by the counsel for the Chancellor that the Vice-Chancellor in-charge was appointed due to the delay in appointing a regular V-C, and the need to ensure the university’s smooth functioning. In addition, a PhD was not mandatory as per UGC regulations.
The court further took exception to petitions being filed at nearly every stage of the appointment process and even when Vice-Chancellors in-charge were appointed, and called upon stakeholders to ensure the smooth functioning of universities. “This situation risks weakening the quality of higher education in Kerala and we hope that appropriate steps are taken without delay to resolve the issues,” it said in the judgment.
Published – June 27, 2025 06:21 pm IST
