The Kerala High Court on Friday refused to stay the suspension of K.S. Anil Kumar, the Registrar of Kerala University, based on an order issued by the Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal.

Dr. Kunnummal had suspended Mr. Anil Kumar after the latter reportedly sought the removal of a photograph of ‘Bharat Mata’ that was displayed at the venue of a function to be attended by the Governor and also ordered the cancellation of the function at the University Senate Hall on June 25.

The counsel for Mr. Anil Kumar contended that the Registrar did this after the security officer informed him that the photo of a Goddess had been displayed at the venue and also based on spot inspection. A protest by student union activists outside the hall too was taken into account.

‘No other remedy’

Subsequently, the Raj Bhavan was informed of the developments and also that the Registrar was waiting for the organisers of the function to revert to him about their decision to remove the photo. But the organisers informed him that they would not remove the photo and had decided to go ahead with the function. However, as the students were pushing and assaulting each other, there was no other remedy but to inform the organisers that the permission for the event stood cancelled.

He further argued that as per the rules, only the university’s Syndicate was empowered to suspend the Registrar. The V-C could only initiate disciplinary action against officials up to the rank of Deputy Registrar and hence the Registrar’s suspension was illegal. In this circumstance, the suspension order is an extra-statutory order issued by a statutory authority and is hence illegal and must be set aside, the counsel said.

He also contended that the organisers of the function at the Senate Hall had been informed that the hall, intended as an institution of secular learning, is open to students of all communities and must not be misused for any religious or communal purpose. A copy of the relevant rules too was given to the secretary of Sree Padmanabha Seva Samity, who was hosting the event.

‘In a better manner’

The court asked whether the situation outside the hall was beyond the control of the police. It also took objection to Mr. Anil Kumar’s counsel referring to the photo as that of a ‘lady holding a saffron flag’ placed on the stage and said that the situation could have been handled in a better manner.

Refusing to stay Mr. Anil Kumar’s suspension, the Bench consisting of Justice N. Nagaresh sought explanation from the university on the suspension and from the police on the law and order situation on the university premises on the day and posted the case for hearing on Monday.