Bhatat Mata portrait row: Kerala HC refuses to interfere with suspension of Registrar; says syndicate can take decision

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday refused to reinstate Dr KS Anil Kumar, who was suspended from the post of Registrar of Kerala University in connection with the Bharat Mata portrait row.

Dismissing Anil Kumar’s petition, a single bench of Justice T R Ravi directed the University’s Vice Chancellor to convene a syndicate meeting and left it to decide whether Dr Anil Kumar’s suspension ought to be continued.

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“Challenge against suspension fails. Prayers regarding the same are rejected. Writ petition is disposed of by directing the second respondent to convene a meeting of the syndicate to consider whether suspension should be continued, and the syndicate may decide the same,” the court said.

Vice Chancellor Kunnummal Mohanan had suspended Registrar Anil Kumar on July 3 for allegedly disrespecting Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The order cited that Registrar Anil Kumar, on June 25, cancelled a seminar at the University Senate Hall being attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar over the use of the Bharat Mata portrait with a saffron flag on the stage.

The Vice Chancellor had held the Registrar responsible for alleged procedural irregularities and mismanagement leading to unrest on the campus.

Dr Anil Kumar challenged his continued suspension before the High Court, despite a formal revocation of the same by the syndicate. He also sought to quash several orders issued by the Vice Chancellor to prevent him from rejoining duty.