Members of the Kannur University Syndicate have accused the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of running the university unilaterally by sidelining the Syndicate and taking key administrative decisions without consulting the statutory body. They also alleged irregularities in academic appointments, questioned the appointment of a senior official, and demanded greater transparency in the university’s administration.
Addressing the media on Wednesday (July 8, 2026), Syndicate member N. Sukanya alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) had been consistently taking “undemocratic and unilateral” decisions. She said that although a new Syndicate had not yet been constituted, the tenure of the existing Syndicate had not formally ended. Despite this, the V-C had neither convened meetings of the Syndicate nor kept its members informed about major administrative decisions, she alleged.
Ms. Sukanya alleged that the list of members for the various Boards of Studies was deliberately delayed and that the Chancellor’s approval was obtained for a list allegedly prepared by persons other than the Syndicate, in violation of the university’s regulations.
She also alleged serious irregularities in the appointment of A. Praveen as director of the Malviya Mission Teachers Training Centre. According to Ms. Sukanya, Dr. Praveen had joined the university as director of Physical Education on a one-year deputation, and his subsequent appointment to head the teacher training centre raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his deputation and the selection process.
The Syndicate member further alleged that Dr. Praveen had faced multiple complaints, including allegations of sexual harassment, during his previous tenure at Pondicherry University, and that police cases related to those complaints were pending. She also claimed that he had joined Kannur University while disciplinary proceedings initiated against him in 2025 were still pending.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor K.K. Saju said he would not respond in detail to the allegations raised by the Syndicate, maintaining that all his decisions were taken strictly in accordance with rules and procedures.
The V-C said the allegations were baseless, and that no decisions had been taken outside the statutory framework. “If anyone has allegations, they are free to raise them. I have not acted illegally,” he added.
Responding to criticism over the constitution of the Board of Studies, he clarified that the Chancellor appoints its members. The Syndicate’s role is limited to approving the Chancellor’s nomination at its next meeting.
“The nominations have not yet been notified because they have to be placed before the Syndicate first. That is the prescribed procedure,” he said.
On the delay in convening the Syndicate, the V-C said a meeting scheduled for June 26 had to be postponed after the government declared a holiday. With the new Syndicate members expected to be appointed shortly, convening a meeting just before their assumption of office would have been inappropriate, he added.
University rules require the Syndicate to meet once every two months, though meetings are often held more frequently, he said.
Published – July 08, 2026 11:57 pm IST
