Who Will Lead the Search for New VCs of Kerala Universities?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has appointed retired Judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia as Chairperson of the Search Committees for Kerala's Digital University and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. This move aims to expedite the selection process amidst ongoing disputes between the state government and the Governor.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia appointed as Chairperson.
- Search Committees formed for Kerala Digital University and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.
- Timeline set for committee formation and VC selection.
- Appointment aims to resolve disputes between state government and Governor.
- Focus on expediting the appointment process.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) In a pivotal move, the Supreme Court has appointed retired judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia as the Chairperson of the Search Committees responsible for appointing the Vice Chancellors of Kerala Digital University and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.
This order was issued while addressing a petition lodged by the Kerala government against the state's Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of state universities.
The state had previously sought the appointment of a retired judge to lead the committee, and the court has now endorsed this request.
"We believe it is crucial to resolve this standstill promptly. Therefore, we have appointed Sudhanshu Dhulia, a former judge of this court, to chair the Search-cum-Selection Committee for both universities," remarked the apex court in its ruling.
As per the court's instructions, the Search Committee will be formed based on panels provided by both the Governor and the state government.
The committee will consist of four members: two nominees from the Chancellor and two from the state government, while Justice Dhulia will preside over the committee as its Chairperson.
The Supreme Court has established a strict timeline for the proceedings.
The committee is expected to be constituted within two weeks, and updates regarding the selection of a permanent Vice Chancellor must be reported to the court within one month.
This case emerged after the Pinarayi Vijayan government reported non-cooperation from Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar in finalizing the VC appointment process.
The state informed the court that it had made every attempt to ensure collaboration, but the Governor had delayed actions.
In response, the Attorney General, representing the Governor's side, contended that the government had not made sincere efforts.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court had previously directed both parties to exchange lists of experts for the Search Committee.
The establishment of the Search Committee under Justice Dhulia is anticipated to resolve the stalemate between the state government and the Governor, allowing for the timely appointment of permanent Vice Chancellors for the Digital and Technical Universities.
Point of View
This appointment reflects the Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring that higher education governance is free of political turmoil. The focus should now be on a seamless transition to appoint qualified Vice Chancellors, which is crucial for the advancement of educational standards in Kerala.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia?
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, known for his esteemed legal career and expertise in judicial matters.
What are the responsibilities of the Search Committees?
The Search Committees are tasked with selecting Vice Chancellors for the Kerala Digital University and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.
Why was the Supreme Court involved?
The Supreme Court intervened due to a petition by the Kerala government addressing the non-cooperation from the Governor in finalizing VC appointments.
What is the timeline set by the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court has mandated that the Search Committee must be formed within two weeks, and updates on VC selection should be reported within one month.
How will this affect the universities?
The establishment of the Search Committee is expected to resolve the ongoing issues and facilitate the timely appointment of qualified Vice Chancellors, which is vital for the universities' progress.
