Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has approached the Supreme Court seeking to remove Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from the committee responsible for appointing university vice-chancellors, citing alleged interference in the selection process.

The petition highlights concerns over the Chief Minister's involvement in the appointments for Kerala Digital University and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, which, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, should remain free from political interference.

Referring to the Supreme Court's order dated August 18, the Governor contended that while the Kerala government and chancellor-nominated members can be part of the selection committee, the Chief Minister's direct involvement violates established guidelines. “The Governor is not bound to act on state cabinet directions in vice-chancellor appointments and must intervene to ensure compliance,” the petition states.

The Left Democratic Front government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Vijayan of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has yet to comment on the petition. The Supreme Court will now examine the request for appropriate directions regarding the formation of the appointment panel.