Bharat Mata Portrait Row | Kerala University To Discuss Registrar's Suspension In Next Syndicate Meeting, High Court Told

Justice V G Arun was considering a writ petition filed by syndicate members, seeking direction to convene syndicate meeting as directed by the Court in an earlier judgment, in connection with the Bharat Mata portrait row.

During the hearing on October 25, the senior counsel for the petitioners alleged that the meeting was deliberately delayed to avoid a discussion on the suspension of the Registrar. It was further submitted that even in the notice of the next meeting, the agenda regarding the suspension of Registrar is not included. 

The counsel for the Vice Chancellor informed the Court that the Syndicate meeting is scheduled to be held on November 1, 2025, within the two month statutory period. The counsel further assured that the issue of Registrar's suspension will be included as an agenda item.

The petitioner also raised concerns about the possibility of the meeting being disrupted and requested that the proceedings be recorded, similar to Senate meetings. 

The Standing Counsel for the University submitted that necessary arrangements for the recording of the meeting will be done. 

The Court thus said:

"The submission that the agenda regarding suspension of the Registrar will be included as an item in the meeting to be convened on 01.11.2025 is recorded. This Court is also confident that all participants of the meeting will maintain decorum and discharge their duties responsibly"

Background

The Registrar was suspended by the Vice Chancellor in July, 2025 for cancelling a seminar to be attended by the Governor, amid clashes between different Students' Unions over display of 'Bharat Mata' portrait with a saffron flag, purportedly giving the impression of a Hindu goddess.

The Vice Chancellor had held the Registrar responsible for alleged procedural irregularities and mismanagement, leading to unrest on campus.

A syndicate meeting was convened following his suspension, in which he was reinstated as the Registrar. Despite the formal revocation, the Vice Chancellor issued fresh directions asserting that the Registrar remained in suspension.

The Registrar approached the High Court challenging his continued suspension despite a formal revocation of the same by the University Syndicate. He also sought to quash several orders issued by the Vice Chancellor that prevented him from rejoining duty. The High Court disposed of the petition by directing the Vice Chancellor to constitute a syndicate meeting through Registrar-in-Charge to decide whether the suspension should continue.

The present petition is filed by the syndicate members, seeking convening of the syndicate meeting as directed by the Court.

Case Title: Adv. G Muraleedharan Pillai and Others v University of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 35976/ 2025

Counsel for Petitioners: Elvin Peter P J (Sr.), K R Ganesh, Adarsh Babu C S, Ahsana E, Ashik J Varghese

Counsel for Respondent: Thomas Abraham (SC - Kerala University), Girija K Gopal

Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order