The inaugural function of the Kerala University Union 2024-25 on Monday reflected the deepening rift within the university over administrative control, as Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal boycotted the programme after objecting to Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar’s presence in the event.

The Vice-Chancellor has maintained that the revocation of Dr. Kumar’s suspension is legally void.

Notably, Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen, who had been assigned additional charge of the Registrar by the Vice-Chancellor, was excluded from the ceremony.

The office-bearers of the union, dominated by the Students Federation of India, asserted that they recognised Dr. Kumar as the Registrar. They added that the Vice-Chancellor had consented to take part in the programme.

Noted writer T.D. Ramakrishnan, who inaugurated the function, alleged that vested interests were influencing appointments in the education sector and that continuous interference has been adversely impacting academic activities.

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi vice-chairperson P.R. Pushpavathy was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, she reiterated her criticism of filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s controversial remarks made at the recent Kerala Film Policy Conclave.

Union chairman Ashwin S. Nair presided over the programme. Syndicate members G. Muralidharan, J.S. Shijukhan, R. Rajesh and S. Nazeeb were among those who spoke.