The Left-aligned Syndicate members of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) have openly pushed back against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s order. The Governor directed the university to cover the legal fees of lawyers who represented him in a Supreme Court case concerning the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.
Raj Bhavan recently instructed both KTU and Digital University Kerala to each disburse ₹5.5 lakh. This payment was intended to cover the costs incurred in the ongoing litigation before the apex court, with the rationale that these cases directly pertain to the administration of both institutions.
The directive also referenced fee memos provided by the Attorney General of India and the Advocate-on-Record, who appeared on behalf of the Governor, acting in his capacity as Chancellor of the universities. It’s important to note that the petitions in question challenged the state government’s authority in the appointment process.
However, CPI(M) legislators I.B. Satheesh and K.M. Sachin Dev, both active members of the KTU Syndicate, have officially registered their objection to the directive. In letters addressed to the interim Vice-Chancellor, K. Sivaprasad, they emphasized that the Vice-Chancellor lacks the authority to unilaterally approve such payments, as all financial decisions fall squarely within the exclusive purview of the Syndicate.
“The withdrawal and expenditure of money from the University Fund, being an executive function, shall be exercised only to such extent authorized and sanctioned by the Syndicate. The amount demanded by the Chancellor shall not be drawn or disbursed without the sanction of the Syndicate. Any action to the contrary would therefore be illegal,” their letter stated.
Sources indicate that only the full Syndicate is empowered to make financial decisions, particularly since the Syndicate sub-committees have not yet been reconstituted. Currently, the statutory body comprises the Vice-Chancellor, Deans responsible for research and academics, government representatives, and the two Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) members.
Violation of Established Procedures
Furthermore, the Syndicate members argued that KTU already has a designated Standing Counsel to represent the institution in legal proceedings. They stressed that senior advocates should only be engaged based on the Standing Counsel’s recommendations. They characterized the Chancellor’s action as a clear breach of established procedure.
The Syndicate members also issued a strong warning, cautioning that if these payments are sanctioned in violation of these norms, the financial liability could potentially become a personal burden on the Vice-Chancellor and any other officers who approve the disbursement.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the MLAs also forwarded copies of their letters to the Higher Education department. This move opens up the possibility of government intervention, as the University Act reportedly grants the government the power to step in when complaints of fund misuse arise.