New Delhi, Nov 30 – In a major setback to the Kerala government, the Supreme Court on Thursday quashed its decision to reappoint Gopinath Ravindran as the vice chancellor of Kannur University after his retirement and criticized its unwarranted intervention in the matter.
The decision came after a bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, found fault with the order of the Chancellor and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan reappointing Ravindran to the post. The court set aside the judgments of the single and division bench of the Kerala High Court that upheld the reappointment.
The Chancellor’s decision to reappoint Ravindran as vice chancellor of Kannur University was found to be faulty, and the Supreme Court has quashed the same, said Chief Justice Chandrachud.
The governor, in his role as the ex-officio chancellor of universities in a state, acts independently of the council of ministers in making decisions on all university matters. However, the Supreme Court found that the reappointment of Ravindran was not in accordance with the existing regulations and guidelines.
The decision to reappoint Ravindran goes against established norms and guidelines, and constitutes an unwarranted intervention by the Kerala government, Chief Justice Chandrachud added.
Ravindran’s reappointment had faced criticism from various quarters, with allegations of political influence and nepotism surrounding the decision. The court’s ruling marks a victory for those who argued against the move, asserting the importance of upholding transparency and meritocracy in academic institutions.
The Kannur University, known for its prestigious academic programs and contributions to research, will now have to initiate the process of selecting a new vice chancellor in accordance with established procedures.
In response to the ruling, Ravindran expressed disappointment but maintained that he complied with all procedures during his reappointment. I respect the court’s decision, but I want to clarify that every step was taken in accordance with the rules and regulations, he said in a statement.
The decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for the governance of universities in the state and may prompt a review of the procedures followed while appointing and reappointing key positions.
The Supreme Court’s verdict underlines the significance of ensuring transparency and adherence to established guidelines in the appointment of university administrators, which is crucial for maintaining the credibility and integrity of educational institutions.
The ruling serves as a reminder that accountability and merit should be the guiding principles in all decisions pertaining to academic appointments. As the search for a new vice chancellor begins, there is hope among the academic community that the process will be fair, transparent, and based on the principles of excellence and integrity.
The watchdog role played by the Supreme Court in this case underscores the need for vigilance in preserving the autonomy and credibility of educational institutions, which are the bedrock of a progressive society. The decision to quash Ravindran’s reappointment emphasizes the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring that the best interests of the university and its students are safeguarded.
