VC seeks directive on syndicate meet

Kochi: The state govt claimed in the Kerala high court that the plea of K Sivaprasad, temporary vice-chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, seeking a directive to govt officials to attend the syndicate meeting, has become infructuous in view of the Supreme Court appointing a former judge to oversee the selection of a permanent VC.The state also sought additional time to file a counter-affidavit and place on record the apex court's order. Accordingly, justice C S Dias adjourned the petition for further consideration after the Onam holidays.Sivaprasad had approached the HC seeking a directive to the finance secretary, higher education secretary and the technical education director — who are also the syndicate members — to attend its meeting scheduled on Aug 13, in order to avoid an administrative stalemate. He alleged that these officials, along with nominated legislative members, were abstaining from the syndicate meetings at the behest of the state govt, resulting in repeated adjournments for want of quorum. He also sought an interim direction requiring the officials to attend the meeting.On Tuesday, however, the court declined to grant the interim prayer, noting that it was identical to the final relief sought in the writ petition. The court also impleaded the university, chancellor and two others as additional respondents in the matter.In his petition, Sivaprasad highlighted that university employees had not been paid wages for the past month, as the budget had not been approved by the syndicate. Pensions, he stated, had also not been disbursed for two months and internet services risked suspension as providers were unconcerned with the reasons for non-payment. He further alleged that the university administration had been paralysed due to the deliberate and conscious actions of the state govt, which, according to him, had not accepted his appointment by the chancellor.