Three VCs appeared in person at the hearing conducted by the Governor yesterday ahead of the dismissal of the eight VCs who were appointed in violation of the UGC rules. Mubarak Pasha (Open University), Saji Gopinath (Digital University) and VP Mahadevan Pillai (former VC of Kerala University) arrived at Raj Bhavan. VP Mahadevan Pillai was the first to arrive at the Adalat which started at 11 am yesterday.
The Open and Digital VCs informed that the appointment of the first VC was done without a search committee as the VC was essential to get recognition for the university. They also requested the Governor to seek relaxation in the rule for these varsities.
Sasidharan, who is also the Standing Consul of Malayalam University, Calicut University and CUSAT appeared on behalf of Malayalam University VC Anil Vallathol, Calicut VC MK Jayaraj and CUSAT VC KN Madhusudan.
Sasidharan argued that the Chancellor has the power only to appoint VCs and cannot dismiss them. Highlighting the resumes of Chief Secretaries KM Abraham and Tom Jose, Sasidharan argued that they were academic experts.
Adv. Mustafa appeared for Sanskrit Vice-Chancellor MV Narayanan. Adv Sunilkumar appeared for Kannur VC Gopinath Ravindran. Although the Kannur VC informed that he would not participate in the hearing without receiving the appointment documents, he later assigned a lawyer to appear for the hearing. A hearing will be held in January for MG VC Sabu Thomas, who is currently visiting Russia.
VCs and lawyers came to the Raj Bhavan with the Act and Statute of Universities. Some of the VCs pleaded that they have only a short term left and should not be dismissed as the future of the children will be affected if the VC is dismissed. Most of the VCs argued that the order dismissing Dr MS Rajasree, who was the VC of the Technological University, was applicable only to her.
The position of the Governor is that the appointment of all VCs is invalid. The Governor will take action after the High Court issues an order in the petition filed by the VCs against the Governor’s notice to dismiss them.
Discussion about this post