New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its contentment regarding the resolution of the extended conflict between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar over the appointment of regular Vice Chancellors for two significant state universities.

A panel comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan was informed that an agreement had been achieved between the Governor, in his role as Chancellor, and the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan, resulting in the appointments to the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology.

“Today, we are pleased to document that both the Chancellor and the government have unanimously reported that the appointments to the Vice Chancellor positions in the two universities have been made from the panel of candidates,” noted the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench in its order.

The apex court also acknowledged its appreciation for the court-appointed committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, emphasizing that its goal was to ensure that the universities had permanent leaders, thereby safeguarding “the interests of all stakeholders.”

“This situation exemplifies how a timely and decisive intervention by this court can significantly protect the rights of citizens,” the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench remarked.

It noted that the Technological and Digital universities, which engage with cutting-edge subjects, had remained “rudderless” due to the lack of agreement between the Governor and the state government.

The court emphasized that its primary concern was for students, parents, and teaching and non-teaching staff who found themselves “caught in the crossfire” during the conflict.

Expressing satisfaction with the final resolution, it stated that by issuing the appointment orders, “curtains have been gracefully brought down on this matter.”

Attorney General N. Venkatramani, representing the Governor, informed the apex court that the deadlock was resolved after the Governor personally contacted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

“The Governor himself initiated communication with the Chief Minister, and they held a meeting. That’s how the issue was finally resolved,” he stated.

In response, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench remarked: “We hope that in the future they will continue to communicate in this manner and reach an understanding for the greater good of the nation.” However, it clarified that other legal issues raised in this matter remain open for consideration at a later date.

Previously, discussions between senior ministers and the Governor had failed to achieve a breakthrough, and the dispute intensified when the Governor filed affidavits opposing the Chief Minister’s recommendations and disputing the appointment process.

During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court warned that if a consensus was not achieved, it would proceed with the appointments itself. Following this, both parties reached an agreement before Thursday’s session.