HC allows Kerala University students’ union to continue till expiry of term

The Kerala High Court on Thursday allowed the current students’ union of Kerala University to continue till its one-year tenure expires and also permitted it to hold the arts festivals as planned. The court also directed the university to release the funds for the festivals.

The interim order came on a plea moved by student union chairman Ashwin S. Nair contending that the university rules permit the students’ body to continue for 12 months from when it is constituted and that the term comes to an end on February 27.

Mr. Nair moved the court following an order issued by university Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal dissolving the current students union and reconstituting a new one as well as denying permission for holding the arts festival which had been sanctioned earlier.

Advocate T.B. Hood, appearing for Mr. Nair, said the petition had not challenged the V-C’s order and only sought that the students union be allowed to complete its tenure and hold the arts festivals as planned.

The V-C’s decision had led to Students Federation of India holding a strong protest at the university against Mr. Kunnummal.

The court asked the lawyer for the university to come with instructions regarding the plea on February 16 and issued notice by special messenger to the V-C.

Following the interim order of the High Court, activists of the Students Federation of India, held demonstrations outside the residence of the V-C.