A fresh constitutional crisis has erupted in Kerala as Governor Arif Mohammed Khan took the unprecedented step of directly inviting applications for the vacant Vice Chancellor position at Calicut University, triggering strong reactions from the state government which has labeled the move "undemocratic and unconstitutional."
The Governor's Surprise Move
In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Kerala's academic circles, Governor Khan, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities, published a public advertisement calling for applications for the Calicut University VC post. The position has been lying vacant since October 2023, creating a leadership vacuum at one of Kerala's premier educational institutions.
The advertisement specifies that applications must be submitted by December 26, setting the stage for a potential confrontation between the Raj Bhavan and the state government.
State Government's Strong Opposition
The Kerala government has reacted sharply to the Governor's unilateral action. Higher Education Minister R Bindu condemned the move, stating that it completely bypasses the established democratic process for VC appointments.
"The Governor's decision to directly invite applications is undemocratic and goes against all established norms," Minister Bindu asserted. She emphasized that the state government has already initiated the proper procedure for appointing a search committee to identify suitable candidates for the position.
Background of the Ongoing Tussle
This isn't the first time Governor Khan has locked horns with the state government over university appointments. The relationship between the Governor's office and the Left Democratic Front government has been increasingly strained over administrative control of state universities.
The current controversy comes at a time when Calicut University, one of the largest educational institutions in Kerala with over 400 affiliated colleges, desperately needs stable leadership to address numerous academic and administrative challenges.
Constitutional Implications
Legal experts are divided on the Governor's authority to make such appointments independently. While the Governor serves as the Chancellor of state universities, the conventional practice has involved consultation with the state government and following established university statutes.
The move raises important questions about the boundaries of gubernatorial power in university administration and could potentially lead to legal challenges.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid with multiple possible outcomes:
- The state government may legally challenge the Governor's advertisement
- Potential candidates might hesitate to apply given the political controversy
- The impasse could further delay the appointment process
- Academic activities at Calicut University could be affected by the leadership vacuum
As the December 26 deadline approaches, all eyes are on how this constitutional showdown will unfold and what it means for the future of higher education governance in Kerala.
