He has reportedly decided to await the Supreme Court verdict on a related constitutional reference before taking further steps.
Published Aug 07, 2025 | 9:24 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2025 | 9:24 AM
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Three bills passed by the Kerala Assembly, including two university amendment bills and a private university bill, remain pending as the Governor has neither signed them nor forwarded them to the President, despite the Supreme Court’s three-month guideline
The deadline for the private university bill lapsed on 28 July, and others on 4 August.
These bills seek to reduce the Chancellor’s, ie, the Governor’s, powers and enhance the role of the Pro-Chancellor (Higher Education Minister), sparking concerns over university autonomy. Provisions include granting the Minister authority to intervene in academic matters and shifting key powers from the Vice-Chancellor (VC) to the Registrar.
The Governor contends that these changes weaken institutional independence and may conflict with UGC regulations.
He has reportedly decided to await the Supreme Court verdict on a related constitutional reference before taking further steps, even as the state has already framed rules for the private university law.
