How Can Kerala Governor and Government Collaborate on University Appointments?

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, July 30 (NationPress) The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, urged the Kerala Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities, along with the state government, to collaborate effectively in appointing Vice-Chancellors for the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology. This collaboration should prioritize the welfare of students and steer clear of political entanglements.

During Arif Mohammed Khan's tenure as Governor, conflicts arose frequently with the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government, notably affecting appointments at these two universities, leading to the current situation.

Current Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar has also experienced tensions with the Vijayan administration. Consequently, Dr. Mohanan Kunnammel, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University, is facing criticism from protestors who claim he is aligned with the Chancellor.

The Supreme Court's remarks have placed additional pressure on the Vijayan government, clarifying that until the formal Vice-Chancellor appointments are finalized, the Governor may issue notifications to retain the current temporary Vice-Chancellors or appoint new individuals temporarily.

"We have urged the Attorney General to initiate the process for appointing regular Vice-Chancellors in both universities. Although this may take some time, the Chancellor can temporarily appoint someone to the Vice-Chancellor's role. We understand that efforts are already underway for the regular VC appointment, yet challenges to the Search Committee's formation persist... We encourage the state to develop a cooperative framework with the Chancellor for the Vice-Chancellor appointments in both institutions," stated Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan while addressing a Special Leave Petition filed by the Governor against the Kerala High Court's ruling, which annulled the appointment of a temporary Vice-Chancellor without the state government's endorsement.

"It is crucial for the Chancellor to cooperate and consider the state government's proposals. The focus should be on the students’ education. Why should they bear the consequences of this legal dispute? While we await resolution, we ask the AG and senior counsel for the state to establish an efficient mechanism for promptly appointing a regular Vice-Chancellor. Until then, the Chancellor is permitted to issue a new notification to retain the current Vice-Chancellors as per the relevant legislations until a permanent appointment is made. The process needs to begin without delay," the court emphasized.