The Supreme Court steps in to resolve the ongoing Kerala VC appointment dispute, directing the Justice Dhulia-led committee to submit a final recommendation for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology.
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NEW DELHI: The ongoing tussle between the Kerala Governor and the State Government over the appointment of regular Vice Chancellors (VCs) for two major universities has reached the Supreme Court of India, highlighting the friction between constitutional authorities in higher education governance.
ALSO READ: Kerala VC Appointment Row: Supreme Court Says “If You Don’t Resolve It, We Will Appoint”
Supreme Court Directs Re-examination of VC Appointments
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia-led committee to re-examine the appointment process and submit a composite recommendation for the Vice Chancellors of:
- APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
- Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology
A Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan observed that despite repeated instructions, the Governor (also the Chancellor of the universities) and the Chief Minister have failed to reach a consensus on the selection process.
Developments in the Case
During the hearing:
- Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Governor, attempted to hand over a sealed reply to the Chief Minister’s letter. The Court refused to open it, stating that the committee had already shortlisted candidates, including a meritorious woman candidate suitable for both universities.
- Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, representing the Kerala Government, clarified that the Chief Minister had objections to only one candidate, citing past administrative experience as the concern.
- The Court noted that the Dhulia Committee had completed its selection process, yet no agreement had been reached, resulting in only an exchange of letters between the constitutional authorities.
The Supreme Court directed the Dhulia Committee to consider both the Chief Minister’s letter and the Chancellor’s reply and submit one final name for each university in a sealed cover, indicating preferences. The report is expected by Wednesday, December 17, for a hearing on Thursday, December 18.
Background of the Conflict
The dispute traces back to multiple conflicts:
- On November 27, 2025, the Governor approached the Supreme Court, alleging that the Chief Minister had forwarded incomplete records, hindering his ability to act on the Dhulia Committee’s recommendations.
- Earlier in September, the Governor had sought the removal of the Chief Minister from the committee overseeing VC appointments.
- In August 2025, the Supreme Court appointed Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia as Chairperson of the Search and Selection Committee for the universities after the State Government and Governor failed to reach a consensus.
The Governor also requested that the Court exclude the Chief Minister from the selection process, include a University Grants Commission (UGC) nominee, and ensure the Chancellor could select candidates from an alphabetical panel.
The Apex Court has consistently intervened in the dispute:
- Criticizing the Governor for delaying actions on the Dhulia Committee recommendations.
- Reiterating that the appointment process must be completed despite the deadlock between the State and Chancellor.
Case Title:
The Chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 20680-20681/2025
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