Kerala University Registrar Approaches High Court Challenging Continued Suspension Despite Revocation By Syndicate

Justice T R Ravi, admitted the matter and issued notice to the respondents.

The controversy stems from a suspension order dated 02.07.2025, issued by the VC invoking Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, allegedly in response to events surrounding a seminar conducted in the Senate Hall by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti.

The Vice Chancellor accused the petitioner of procedural irregularities and mismanagement, leading to unrest on campus and placed him in suspension.

Following this, the Syndicate—being the competent authority under the Kerala University Act and First Statutes—held a meeting on 06.07.2025 and resolved to revoke the suspension. Based on this resolution, the Registrar was reinstated, and he formally took charge.

However, in what the petitioner terms as a "colourable exercise of power", the VC subsequently issued fresh orders asserting that the petitioner remained under suspension and directing university staff to refrain from forwarding any files to him or allowing him to enter the campus.

In his plea, Prof. Anilkumar contends that the VC, as a statutory officer, lacks independent authority to suspend the Registrar—who is appointed and disciplined solely by the Syndicate. He argues that any emergency powers under Section 10(13) must be ratified by the Syndicate at its next meeting, which in this case had already resolved to revoke the suspension.

The petitioner seeks the quashing of the impugned orders and a direction to allow him to resume his duties without obstruction.

The case is posted on Monday to decide on the interim relief.

Case Title - Prof. Dr. K S Anilkumar v The University of Kerala and Ors.

Case No - WP(C) 28246/ 2025

Counsel for Petitioner - 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)