KANNUR: The Kerala government’s re-appointment of Kannur University Vice Chancellor Dr. Gopinath Ravindran has been quashed (invalidated) by the Supreme Court. The verdict was pronounced by a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
Dr. Premachandran Keezhoth, a member of the Kannur University Senate, and Shino P. Jose, a member of the Academic Council, approached the Supreme Court challenging Dr. Gopinath Ravindran’s reappointment as VC.
During the final argument, the Chief Justice raised concerns about re-appointing someone over 60 years old as VC citing UGC regulations.
The re-appointment by the Kerala government faced significant protests. Dr. Gopinath Ravindran was re-appointed as the VC of Kannur University for four years on November 23, 2021, following the Kerala government’s recommendation. The Kerala High Court had earlier agreed the appointment on December 15, 2021, after petitioners contested it, leading them to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Kerala state government, Governor, Kannur University, and the VC regarding the petition against the re-appointment. In response, Dr. Gopinath Ravindran submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court stating that his reappointment followed UGC rules.
However, during the final trial, the Court highlighted a notification from Kannur University for VC applications. The notification stated that applicants should not have surpassed 60 years of age as of the notification date, as per Section 10 of the UGC Act, 1996.
Based on this, the Supreme Court quashed Dr. Gopinath Ravindran’s re-appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Kannur University.
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