Kerala Governor spurns reconciliation efforts by LDF govt, reappoints Ciza Thomas and Okay. Sivaprasad as DUK, KTU interim V-Cs

In a transfer that has sparked recent controversy, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reappointed Ciza Thomas and Okay. Sivaprasad because the interim Vice-Chancellors of Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) on Friday (August 1, 2025).

The determination defies the reconciliation efforts spearheaded by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and different State Ministers.

The reappointments additionally successfully undermine the State authorities’s makes an attempt to ease rising tensions with the Governor, who, in his capability as Chancellor of State-run universities, has been at odds with the executive dispensation over varied points.

Supreme Court judgment

The appointments come within the wake of a Supreme Court judgment, which the State authorities firmly believes, mandates that the Chancellor ought to seek the advice of the federal government earlier than appointing Vice-Chancellors.

State Law Minister P. Rajeeve advised mediapersons that the transfer quantities to an “open problem” towards the Supreme Court judgment. Notably, the transfer has been made by an individual holding a Constitutional place, he added.

“The appointments haven’t been made in accordance with particular provisions cited by each the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court. It additionally violates the requirement of consulting the State authorities,” he stated.

Raj Bhavan stance

However, Raj Bhavan has maintained that the reappointments of Ms. Thomas and Mr. Sivaprasad adjust to the Supreme Court’s directive and the related provisions of the legal guidelines governing the colleges.

According to the Raj Bhavan notification, the interim Vice-Chancellors will maintain workplace for six months or till common appointments are made.

The State authorities had beforehand submitted panels of three nominees for every place in accordance with a Kerala High Court order concerning non permanent Vice-Chancellors. However, this marks the second time that Raj Bhavan has disregarded the federal government’s suggestions, the primary occasion being when Ms. Thomas and Mr. Sivaprasad had been initially appointed on November 27 final.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu reiterated her criticism of the Governor’s actions, accusing him of undermining the federal government’s authority within the administration of public universities, a day in the past.

She alleged that the current Governor and his predecessor, motivated by political pursuits, have each functioned in blatant violation of their Constitutional duties.

Indicating the potential of additional authorized wrangles, Mr. Rajeeve stated the federal government will apprise the apex courtroom of its apprehensions when the case is taken up for consideration.