Kerala University VC sparks row by suspending registrar

What Happened

During a program commemorating the Emergency on June 25, hosted by Shri Padmanabha Seva Samithi and attended by Governor Arlekar, a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed. Student groups like SFI and KSU protested, seeing it as a religious symbol in a university venue.

The Registrar, K S Anil Kumar, responded by cancelling the event sanction—allegedly while the Governor was on stage—and even filed a police complaint without informing the VC.

VC’s Response & Suspension

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal swiftly took action:

Issued a show-cause notice, demanding Registrar Kumar explain filing the complaint and the cancellation order.
Suspended Kumar using his powers under Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, citing “prejudicial actions” that disrespected the Governor and university protocol.

Controversy & Pushback

Higher Education Minister R Bindu slammed the VC’s move as a misuse of power—suspension authority, she said, lies with the Syndicate.
Left-aligned Syndicate members echoed this, asserting that the VC overstepped and that disciplinary action can only be taken by the Syndicate.
Kumar denies wrongdoing, insists the cancellation notice was issued before the Governor arrived, and plans to challenge the suspension in court.

Protests & Political Fallout

SFI and DYFI activists marched to Raj Bhavan and staged sit-ins, accusing the Governor and VC of turning campus into a “saffron fort.” Police used water cannons to disperse them.
The exchanges highlight rising tensions over religious influence and administrative authority within academic spaces.

Why This Matters

Governance clash: The incident pits the VC’s authority against the university’s Syndicate and political oversight.
Protocol breach: Cancelling an event with the Chancellor present raises questions about constitutional and institutional norms.
Ideological symbolism: The Bharat Mata controversy reflects broader cultural-political divides over religious imagery in education.

What’s Next

The Syndicate is expected to investigate the dispute and decide on further disciplinary or legal steps.
Registrar Kumar may seek judicial relief, challenging procedural validity.
University atmosphere: This could shape campus politics and policies around event protocols and the display of religious symbols.

Final Thoughts

Kerala University’s bold suspension move has unearthed deeper systemic tensions:

The VC’s decisive action vs. political/legal constraints on his power
Campus identity clashes between secular values and symbolic displays
The balancing act of upholding protocol, preventing disruption, and respecting administrative process

For Future Ready readers, the incident is a compelling case study in institutional governance under political pressure. It’s a reminder that university campuses are microcosms of society—where rules, values, and authority collide.

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