'By Nov 3': Kerala governor's notice to nine V-Cs after seeking resignations | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'By Nov 3': Kerala governor's show cause notice to nine V-Cs after seeking resignations

By, New Delhi
Oct 24, 2022 05:26 PM IST

Arif Mohammad Khan's notice came even as the Kerala high court was holding a special sitting on Monday amid a row over his order to the vice-chancellors of nine universities to quit.

A day after kicking up a political storm seeking the resignation of vice-chancellors of nine varsities in Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Monday issued notices to the V-Cs to show cause by 5pm on or before November 3 their legal right to continue in the office.

Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan. (PTI file)
Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan. (PTI file)

“Notices issued to ViceChancellors concerned to show cause by 5 pm on or before Nov 3rd,their legal right to continue in office as ViceChancellors¬ to declare their appointment illegal& void ab initio,have been sent to official e mail id of VCs&Registrars (sic),” the Kerala Raj Bhavan tweeted.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Void ab initio means that a legal document, contract, agreement, or transaction is legally void from the start.

Khan's notice came even as the Kerala high court was holding a special sitting on Monday amid a row over his order to the vice-chancellors of nine universities to quit.

Upholding the recent Supreme Court order quashing the appointment of the V-C of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University for being contrary to University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, Khan on Sunday sought resignations of V-Cs of nine varsities in the state.

The Raj Bhavan had said Khan, as chancellor of universities in the state, also issued directions for the resignations to reach him by 11.30am on Monday.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, meanwhile, hit out at the governor for the move. Vijayan said Khan has no such powers and accused him of acting against the Constitution and the essence of democracy.

The CM, in a press meeting, alleged that the governor's move was an encroachment on the powers of a democratically elected government, and the universities that are supposed to be academically independent.

"It was the governor who appointed the V-Cs of these nine universities and if these appointments were made illegally, then the primary responsibility lies with the governor himself," the Vijayan said, adding that the chancellor has no authority to seek their resignations.

The CM also claimed that the top court order on KTU V-C was based on a procedural issue and did not say anything on his academic qualification.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Have 11 years' experience in print and digital media. Write on politics, defence and world affairs, and have a keen eye for human-interest stories.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On