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12 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Supreme Court Intervenes in Kerala V-C Appointment Deadlock

Supreme Court Intervenes in Kerala V-C Appointment Deadlock

Photo by Fine Photographics

The Supreme Court is intervening in the ongoing dispute between the Kerala Governor and Chief Minister regarding Vice-Chancellor appointments to state-run universities. The court has tasked a committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia to recommend suitable candidates in order of preference, as the Governor and Chief Minister have failed to reach a consensus. The next hearing is scheduled for December 18.

Key Facts

1.

Supreme Court is intervening in the Vice-Chancellor appointment dispute in Kerala.

2.

Governor and Chief Minister have failed to reach a consensus.

3.

Justice Dhulia committee to recommend candidates in order of preference.

4.

Next hearing scheduled for December 18.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Constitutional powers of the Governor

2.

Role of the Chancellor in state universities

3.

Centre-State relations in education

4.

Judicial review of executive actions

Visual Insights

Vice-Chancellor Appointment Process in Kerala (Current Deadlock)

Illustrates the typical VC appointment process and highlights the current deadlock between the Governor and Chief Minister, leading to Supreme Court intervention.

  1. 1.State Govt. initiates VC appointment process (Search Committee Formation)
  2. 2.Search Committee recommends candidates
  3. 3.Governor (as Chancellor) reviews recommendations
  4. 4.Chief Minister's input/approval sought (Point of contention)
  5. 5.Governor appoints VC (if consensus reached)
  6. 6.Deadlock: Governor and CM disagree
  7. 7.Supreme Court Intervention: Committee led by Justice Dhulia to recommend candidates
  8. 8.VC Appointment based on SC Committee's recommendations
More Information

Background

The appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state universities has often been a contentious issue, involving the Governor (as Chancellor) and the State Government. This stems from the constitutional roles and responsibilities defined for both entities.

Latest Developments

The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the deadlock between the Kerala Governor and Chief Minister regarding V-C appointments. The court's decision to appoint a committee signals the severity of the situation and the need for an impartial resolution.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the role of the Governor in state universities: 1. The Governor, in most states, acts as the Chancellor of state universities. 2. The Governor's powers as Chancellor are derived solely from the Constitution of India. 3. The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations are binding on the Governor in his/her capacity as Chancellor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1 and 3 only
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Governor's powers as Chancellor are derived from state university acts, not directly from the Constitution. Statement 3 is incorrect as UGC regulations are recommendatory unless adopted by the state legislation.

2. In the context of the recent Supreme Court intervention in the Kerala V-C appointment issue, which of the following statements accurately reflects the constitutional position regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state universities?

  • A.The Governor, acting as Chancellor, has the sole and absolute discretion in appointing Vice-Chancellors, overriding the state government's recommendations.
  • B.The state government has the exclusive power to appoint Vice-Chancellors, with the Governor's role being purely ceremonial.
  • C.The appointment process is generally governed by state university acts, but the Governor's role as Chancellor often leads to conflicts with the state government.
  • D.The Union Government has the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors in all state universities to ensure uniformity in higher education standards.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is the most accurate. The appointment process is defined by state laws, but the Governor's position as Chancellor often leads to friction with the state government due to differing opinions and interpretations of the law. The other options are incorrect as they misrepresent the constitutional and legal framework.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC)?

  • A.It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.
  • B.It is responsible for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of higher education.
  • C.It directly appoints Vice-Chancellors of all Central Universities.
  • D.It provides grants to universities and colleges.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is incorrect. While UGC plays a role in the selection process, it does not directly appoint Vice-Chancellors of all Central Universities. The appointment is typically made by the President of India (Visitor) based on recommendations from search committees.

4. Assertion (A): The Governor of a state is constitutionally bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. Reason (R): The Governor also functions as the Chancellor of state universities, a role that is governed by state legislation and allows for discretionary powers. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Both A and R are true statements. However, the Governor's obligation to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers is a separate constitutional requirement from their role as Chancellor, which is governed by state laws and allows for some discretionary powers. Therefore, R is not the correct explanation of A.

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