Supreme Court Invalidates Re-Appointment Of Kannur University Vice-Chancellor, Cites "Unwarranted Interference" By Kerala Government

On Thursday (30 November), the Supreme Court invalidated the re-appointment of Professor Gopinathan Raveendran as the vice-chancellor of Kannur University, citing "unwarranted interference" by the Kerala government, as reported by Deccan Herald.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, asserted that the Governor, acting as the chancellor, holds the authority to appoint or re-appoint the vice-chancellor under the Act, 1996 (Kannur University Act, 1996).

The judgment highlighted that any decision influenced by a person lacking statutory authority renders the process illegal.

The court observed interference from the state government in the re-appointment, noting the chancellor's relinquishment of statutory powers.

The appeal challenged the Kerala High Court's February 2022 decision supporting the re-appointment, which the Supreme Court overturned, nullifying the 23 November 2021, notification for Professor Raveendran's continuation as vice-chancellor.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan previously alleged political motivations behind the appointment and accused the vice-chancellor of adversely impacting the university through various "unlawful appointments."