Dated this the 26th day of June, 2025.
Nitin Jamdar, CJ
It has been nearly three years since the University of Kerala, a
prestigious institution in the State, has been without a regular Vice-
Chancellor due to differences between stakeholders. Now, this Petition,
another in the series of litigation, seeks to question the temporary
arrangement made by the Chancellor pending regular appointment.
2. The Governor of Kerala, being the ex officio Chancellor of the
University of Kerala under the Kerala University Act, 1974 read with the
University Grants Commission Regulations, 2018, is empowered to
appoint a Vice-Chancellor to the University of Kerala. After the term of
the previous Vice-Chancellor ended, the Chancellor initiated the process
for regular appointment by constituting a Search-cum-Selection
Committee. Pending finalisation of the appointment, the Chancellor
directed Respondent No.4, who is presently the Vice-Chancellor of the
Kerala University of Health Sciences, to also discharge the duties of Vice-
Chancellor of the University of Kerala. Challenging this arrangement, the
Petitioners, members of the Senate of the University of Kerala, have filed
the present writ petition seeking a writ of quo warranto against
Respondent No.4, requiring him to show the authority under which he is
holding the said office, and a writ of mandamus restraining him from
exercising the powers of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala.