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

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

The decision defies the reconciliation efforts spearheaded by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other State Ministers.

The reappointments also effectively undermine the State government’s attempts to ease growing tensions with the Governor, who, in his capacity as Chancellor of State-run universities, has been at odds with the administrative dispensation over various issues.

Supreme Court judgment

The appointments come in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment, which the State government firmly believes, mandates that the Chancellor should consult the government before appointing Vice-Chancellors.

State Law Minister P. Rajeeve told mediapersons that the move amounts to an “open challenge” against the Supreme Court judgment. Notably, the move has been made by a person holding a Constitutional position, he added.

“The appointments have not been made in accordance with specific provisions cited by both the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court. It also violates the requirement of consulting the State government,” he said.

Raj Bhavan stance

However, Raj Bhavan has maintained that the reappointments of Ms. Thomas and Mr. Sivaprasad comply with the Supreme Court’s directive and the relevant provisions of the laws governing the universities.

According to the Raj Bhavan notification, the interim Vice-Chancellors will hold office for six months or until regular appointments are made.

The State government had previously submitted panels of three nominees for each position in accordance with a Kerala High Court order regarding temporary Vice-Chancellors. However, this marks the second time that Raj Bhavan has disregarded the government’s recommendations, the first instance being when Ms. Thomas and Mr. Sivaprasad were initially appointed on November 27 last.

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

She alleged that the present Governor and his predecessor, motivated by political interests, have both functioned in blatant violation of their Constitutional duties.

Indicating the possibility of further legal wrangles, Mr. Rajeeve said the government will apprise the apex court of its apprehensions when the case is taken up for consideration.