Kannur varsity’s new notification contradicts its SC affidavit on Priya Varghese’s appointment

Kannur University has issued a notification stating that a full-time PhD cannot be considered as teaching experience, contradicting the affidavit it had earlier submitted in the Supreme Court while defending the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister’s Private Secretary K.K. Ragesh, as an Associate Professor.

The notification, issued in October 2024, has come to light only recently. As per University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, regular faculty members can pursue a full-time PhD under the Faculty Development Programme (FDP). However, the university’s notification does not explicitly mention FDP, instead referring to it as a full-time PhD.

Previously, the university had informed the Supreme Court that research undertaken under FDP could be counted as teaching experience, a crucial argument in justifying Ms. Varghese’s selection. However, the notification now clarifies that a full-time PhD does not qualify as teaching experience, raising questions about the legitimacy of its earlier stance.

Petitioner in the case Dr. Joseph Skariah argued that the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations were violated solely in the appointment of Priya Varghese. He stated that the notification would be presented before the Supreme Court as evidence of the university’s inconsistent position.

The Save University Campaign Committee criticised the university for misleading the court, asserting that the notification indicates an acknowledgment of its mistake.

Kannur University Senate Member Shino P. Jose pointed out that the new notification would apply to future faculty recruitments, which contradicts the affidavit submitted by the university in court. “How can the university have one rule for Priya Varghese and another for others?” he asked.