Dr. KS Anil Kumar, the Registrar of Kerala University, has approached the Kerala High Court seeking to overturn his suspension, which followed a recent controversy involving the display of a Bharat Mata portrait featuring a saffron flag at an official university event attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.
The incident has deepened the ongoing standoff between the State government and the Governor over the use of religious imagery—specifically, the Bharat Mata portrait with saffron flag—at public and academic functions. While the Governor’s office has backed its use, State ministers have objected, citing concerns over its religious connotations.
Dr. Kumar entered the fray when he issued a notice cancelling an event at the Kerala University Senate Hall on June 25, where the controversial portrait was displayed. He claimed that the move was necessary to prevent student unrest due to the religious symbolism of the image, which he described as resembling a Hindu goddess. According to him, the notice was issued before the Governor arrived at the venue, in a bid to avoid any disruptions.
Despite his efforts, the event went ahead, and the Governor—also the Chancellor of the University—took the stage. The Registrar’s action was later perceived as disrespectful to the Governor, and he was suspended by the University Vice-Chancellor.
In his petition before the High Court, Dr. Kumar defended his decision, asserting that he had previously requested the event organisers—Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti—to remove religious symbols, as such displays violate university rules. He claimed the organisers ignored the request, forcing him to act in the interest of maintaining order and preventing potential violence on campus.
During the hearing, Justice N Nagaresh questioned the Kerala Police on whether the situation at the June 25 event truly posed a serious law and order issue, especially since the Governor was in attendance.
“Was the situation so grave that the Kerala Police couldn’t manage it during a Governor’s programme?” the Court asked, directing both the police and the University to file their responses by Monday.
Dr. Kumar insists that his actions were not intended to show disrespect to the Governor, but to protect the peace and uphold university regulations. His suspension, he argues, was unjust and should be reversed. The High Court is now set to examine the matter further.
