Kerala Challenges Governor’s Interim VC Appointment for APJ Abdul Kalam University in Supreme Court

Rapid Summary

• Incident: The Kerala Government moved the Supreme Court on August 12, 2025, challenging a notification by the Chancellor (Governor) concerning the appointment of Dr.K. Sivaprasad as temporary Vice-Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.
• legal Argument: Kerala contended that Section 13(7) of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act requires the Chancellor to act on recommendations from the State Government when appointing a Vice-Chancellor.
• State’s Stance: The government argued that bypassing its suggestion violated statutory provisions and a Supreme Court ruling from 2022,rendering Dr. Sivaprasad’s appointment “void ab initio” and illegal.
• Chancellor’s Action: Kerala alleged that Dr. Sivaprasad was appointed solely as per the chancellor’s discretion without adhering to legally required procedures.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case underscores ongoing tensions between State Governments and Governors (Chancellors) regarding university governance-a recurring theme in federal governance within India. If upheld, Kerala’s challenge could strengthen State Governments’ authority in appointments governed by specific statutes, reinforcing adherence to legislative frameworks over discretionary practices by Chancellors.

The Kerala Government is relying heavily on statutory provisions and precedent set by earlier Supreme Court judgments to build its case against unilateral decision-making by Chancellors-potentially influencing future interactions between States and Governors nationwide in educational matters.

Read more: Image Credit & Source