The Supreme Court on Thursday has invalidated the Kerala government's choice to reappoint Gopinath Ravindran as the Vice Chancellor of Kannur University. The ruling, issued on Thursday, marks a significant turn of events in the state's history, as it is the first instance where a vice chancellor was granted a second term in office.

The legal saga began on February 23 of the previous year when a division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected an appeal challenging a single-judge's decision affirming the reappointment of Ravindran. The High Court emphasized the legality of the reappointment, stating that there was no unlawful seizure of the position by Ravindran.

However, the Supreme Court, in its recent judgment, overturned the decision and order of the High Court issued on February 23, 2022. This means that the notification from November 23, 2021, which reappointed Gopinath Ravindran as the vice chancellor of Kannur University, has now been nullified.

The controversy surrounding Ravindran's reappointment has been a subject of significant attention in Kerala, with the legal proceedings bringing the matter to the forefront. The Supreme Court's intervention has added a new layer to this development, setting a precedent in the state's academic history. The decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications and may spark discussions on the appointment and reappointment processes for university leadership roles in the future.

Case: DR. PREMACHANDRAN KEEZHOTH & ANR. vs THE CHANCELLOR KANNUR UNIVERSITY & ORS,

Civil Appeal No(s).7700/2023.

Click here to read/download order.