Kerala governor Arif Khan sacks 2 university vice chancellors

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who is also the Chancellor of all universities in the state, sacked the vice-chancellors of Calicut University and Sanskrit University Kalady, MK Jayaraj and MV Narayanan, respectively.

An order in this regard will be issued soon. Action on VCs of the open university and digital digital university will be decided later. Following the issuance of show-cause notices, three of the four university vice-chancellors were present at Raj Bhavan for the hearing.

When Digital University VC Saji Gopinath appeared for the hearing, lawyers appeared for Calicut VC and Sanskrit University. Sree Narayana Guru Open University VC Dr PM Mubarak Pasha was absent as he tendered his resignation days ago. All three presented the argument that there is no disqualification to continue in office. The Calicut VC pleaded that only four months were left before the tenure could continue. Saji Gopinath, The Calicut VC, pleaded that only four months were left before the tenure could continue. Saji Gopinath, VC of Digital University, pointed out the provision in the University Act that the first VC appointment of the university should be made by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the government. He also explained that he was appointed without a search committee because he was the first VC.

The VCs were summoned for a hearing according to an order by the High Court. The court directed that VCs must be allowed to present their side. Technical University VC MS Rajshree's appointment was annulled by the Supreme Court. Following this, nine VCs who were appointed without complying with the UGC provisions were issued notices to inform the Governor if there was any reason not to dismiss them.