Thiruvananthapuram, 16th July 2025 – Despite the Kerala High Court’s recent verdict quashing interim vice-chancellor appointments made by former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Digital University, Kerala (DUK), his successor Rajendra Arlekar has decided to take the legal battle forward. The Raj Bhavan is reportedly preparing to move the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision, citing a November 2023 Supreme Court order that criticized the Kerala government for interfering with the governor’s power to appoint vice-chancellors.
The Kerala government had submitted a panel of three names for interim Vice-Chancellor appointment in KTU and DUK in February 2023, as per the Raj Bhavan source. However, former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan made his own appointments, which were quashed by the High Court.
The Supreme Court’s November 2023 order had stated that the Kerala government’s interference in the governor’s power to appoint vice-chancellors was not in conformity with the Constitution and the University Acts. The Raj Bhavan believes this order strengthens its case against the High Court verdict.
As the legal battle unfolds, both the state government and Raj Bhavan will be closely watched to see how their actions impact the higher education system in Kerala. The appointment of vice-chancellors is a crucial process that can significantly influence the direction and growth of universities in the state.
This development comes amidst an ongoing debate on the role of the governor’s office in appointing vice-chancellors and the extent of the state government’s interference in this process. The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is expected to provide clarity on these matters, setting a precedent for future appointments.
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