Communists are known for their intolerance towards any decision that goes against them—be it from the judiciary or other constitutional authorities. Breaking and violating laws is often treated by them as a privilege or a right. A similar episode is now unfolding at Kerala University, where the Left syndicate is demanding the cancellation of the suspension of Registrar Dr K.S. Anilkumar, who was suspended for disrespecting Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar and for attempting to disrupt the “Emergency @ 50” programme held on June 25, where the Governor was the chief guest.
As soon as the meeting commenced on June 6, acting Vice Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas, who chaired the session, reported that Vice Chancellor Dr Mohan Kunnummel had invoked the VC’s special powers to suspend Registrar Dr K.S. Anilkumar. The VC then explained the agenda and distributed copies to all members.
Kerala: Governor Arlekar defies left protests, honours Bharathamba at Kerala university amid SFI-KSU chaos & threat
By: Vishnu Aravind#Kerala @rajendraarlekar @KeralaGovernor https://t.co/cpO51g4X0V
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 26, 2025
Immediately, Left members raised objections on the floor, claiming that the Syndicate had not been informed about Anilkumar’s suspension. In response, the VC distributed documents detailing the suspension procedure. However, the Left members stood up, demanding the cancellation of the Registrar’s suspension.
At this point, the Vice Chancellor firmly stated that the agenda of the meeting was strictly limited to the affidavit.
BJP members Dr Vinodkumar, T.G. Nair, and P.S. Gopakumar supported the VC’s stance. Despite this, the Left members attempted to move a resolution to revoke the suspension. The VC then announced the meeting was over and exited to her chamber.
BJP members and the lone Congress member also left the venue. Nevertheless, the Left members continued to hold the meeting on their own.
Meanwhile, Dr Ciza Thomas informed the media that the only agenda before the Syndicate meeting was the affidavit to be submitted to the High Court regarding Anilkumar’s suspension; no other matters could be discussed. She clarified that any meeting held after the formal dissolution could not be considered a Syndicate meeting. Since no consensus was reached, the VC stated she would personally submit the affidavit before the High Court.
BJP members Dr Vinodkumar, T.G. Nair, and P.S. Gopakumar told the media that the Syndicate had convened to discuss a single-point agenda and that the Left members had violated the rules by attempting to introduce a separate resolution. They said they would raise the issue before the court and seek to implead in the matter.
In a surprising development, soon after the Left members declared the withdrawal of the Registrar’s suspension in what they termed a continuation of the meeting, K.S. Anilkumar, the suspended Registrar, entered his office on July 6. This unauthorised session was chaired by Dr P.M. Radhanani.
According to rules, once the VC dissolves a Syndicate meeting, it can only reconvene with the VC’s approval, who also decides who shall preside. Therefore, any resolution passed in this unauthorised meeting is invalid without the VC’s endorsement.
Despite the dissolution, Joint Registrar Harikumar—a known CPM fellow traveller—continued to participate in the meeting. As the Acting Registrar, his actions violated the rules, since the official Registrar was under suspension. Anilkumar was reportedly asked by participants of the illegal meeting to reoccupy his office. Since it was a Sunday, members remained on campus until he arrived. Notably, this action was taken while his petition was still pending before the High Court.
Earlier, the VC had categorically stated that Anilkumar’s suspension could not be discussed as the matter was sub judice. Dr Ciza Thomas has now confirmed that she will apprise the court of Anilkumar’s illegal entry into the office on a holiday.
