Fri Jan 31 20:53:03 IST 2025: ## KTU Syndicate Members Challenge VC’s Decision in Kerala High Court
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 31, 2025** – Syndicate members of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) have filed a petition in the Kerala High Court challenging Vice-Chancellor in-charge K. Sivaprasad’s decision to overturn several Syndicate resolutions passed in his absence. The challenge also targets the VC’s reversal of the suspension of section officer Praveen R.
The VC’s decision, according to the Syndicate members, relied solely on a preliminary audit report from the Accountant General, ignoring the findings of an enquiry report conducted by a senior government pleader. The Syndicate members argue that the VC’s actions violate disciplinary rules, which mandate that the disciplinary authority (the Syndicate) consider the Enquiry Officer’s report before making a decision.
The case centers on Praveen R.’s alleged misappropriation of funds. While the audit report indicated an overpayment of ₹12,19,000, the Syndicate members contend that Praveen R. only repaid ₹2,52,098 with interest, leaving a significant balance outstanding. They emphasize that the Enquiry Officer concluded the suppression of earlier advances by Praveen R. was intentional, a crucial point overlooked by the Accountant General’s report. This omission, according to the Syndicate, undermines the VC’s justification for overturning the suspension. The Syndicate maintains that had Praveen R. accurately disclosed previous advances, the overpayment would not have occurred.
First Piper 