HC Voids Appointments of Temporary V-Cs at Two Universities

Swift Summary

• A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court upheld a Single Bench order from May 19, declaring the appointment of K. Sivaprasad and Ciza Thomas as temporary Vice-Chancellors of two universities in Kerala “not sustainable in law.”
• The appointments pertain to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology.
• The Division Bench dismissed an appeal filed by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who serves as Chancellor for both universities.
• By law (Technological University Act Section 13(7) and Digital university Act Section 11(10)), temporary appointments cannot exceed six months cumulatively, and must follow government recommendations.
• The court noted ongoing administrative issues at the two universities were harming their functioning and student interests due to delays in regular V-C appointments.
• It emphasized that Vice-Chancellors should meet high academic, administrative, and ethical standards while serving as leaders bridging executive and academic roles.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala High Court ruling underscores the importance of adhering to statutory limits when making temporary Vice-Chancellor appointments. It highlights legal safeguards intended to prevent indefinite or unauthorized extensions that could undermine university autonomy.This judgment reiterates an urgent need for proactive governance by chancellors and state authorities in swiftly appointing qualified permanent leadership to uphold institutional stability. Moreover, given the pivotal role played by Vice-Chancellors in connecting academic priorities with administrative goals-as highlighted by Supreme Court observations-the verdict stresses adherence to merit-based selection criteria.

Delays in filling these critical positions risk disrupting university operations, negatively impacting students’ education experience.Going forward, this ruling might drive better alignment between higher education policies at state levels with judicially enforced norms under relevant statutes.

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