The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by the Government of Kerala questioning the appointment of Dr Ciza Thomas as the vice-chancellor of the Kerala Technical University  by the Chancellor (Governor Arif Mohammed Khan).

“Ciza Thomas is fully qualified going by the University Granst Commission Regulations since it permit experience in both teaching and research. The choice is justified,” said Justice Devan Ramachandran while dismissing the petition.

The Governor appointed Ciza Thomas as vice chancellor following the October 21 verdict by the Supreme Court that declared the appointment of M S Rajasree, the incumbent, as void and null ab initio (from the date she was appointed).

The Jusice pointed out that although the first person found qualified in the list had been offered the vice chancellor’s post by the Chancellor following the disqualification of Rajasree, the same was politely refused. That left Ciza Thomas as the only candidate available since others in the list too were involved in various professions.

“The Chancellor’s choice can never be found to be at fault and there is not even a whisper or an assertion sotto voce (in a quiet voice) even by the Government that he has acted with bias or mala fide in having appointed Ciza Thomas,” said the Justice.

Tuesday’s verdict is yet another set back to the Government of Kerala in the on going tussle with the Governor over appointments of vice-chancellors and faculty members in the State’s universities. The Kerala High Court had declared as null and void the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (KUFOS) as well as the selection of the spouse of the Chief Minister’s private secretary as associate professor in Kannur University.