In a significant intervention, Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has directed the Kalady Sanskrit University to put on hold a controversial decision by its syndicate to transfer a valuable piece of its land to a private agency. The move comes after strong objections from various quarters regarding the proposed deal.
Governor Steps In After Complaint
The governor's action followed a formal complaint lodged by the Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC). Taking note of the serious allegations, Governor Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of the university, sought an immediate explanation from the Vice-Chancellor, K K Geetha Kumari. The decision had also been questioned by opposition members within the syndicate, who had separately approached the governor with their concerns.
The syndicate had decided to lease approximately 6 acres of prime university land to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for a period of 33 years. The land in question is part of a 52-acre plot granted to the university by the state government back in 1995. Estimates suggest the market value of the 6-acre parcel is a staggering Rs 100 crore.
Controversial Decision and Political Allegations
The decision to hand over the land was reportedly pushed through with the majority support of CPI(M) members in the university's syndicate. The draft agreement between the Sanskrit University and the cricket association was also approved by the governing body. CPIU(M) spokesperson K S Arun Kumar, who is a syndicate member, is alleged to have been a key proponent of the deal.
Interestingly, while four members nominated by the governor himself opposed the land transfer, the interim Vice-Chancellor, Geetha Kumari—who was also appointed by the governor—reportedly sided with the stance of the CPI(M) members. This internal contradiction added fuel to the controversy.
Critics have pointed out that the decision was made without seeking necessary approvals from the state government. This stands in contrast to other pending proposals, such as the plan to allocate 10 acres for a science park in Kerala or Calicut University's proposal for 40 acres for a stadium, which are still awaiting formal approval from their respective syndicates.
Precedents and Legal Authority
This is not the first time a sports body's request for university land has been scrutinized. The Kerala Hockey Association's earlier request for 5 acres from Kerala University was rejected. Furthermore, the issue of lease arrears casts a shadow; the Greenfield Stadium in Kariavattom currently owes a massive Rs 85 crore in unpaid lease dues for 37 acres of land.
Governor Arlekar has invoked his powers under Section 8 (6) of the Sanskrit University Act, which empowers the Chancellor to block or annul any decision made by the university's governing bodies. He has formally asked the VC to explain the circumstances and rationale that led to the syndicate's decision to transfer the valuable asset.
The governor's directive has put a temporary stop to the process, bringing the high-value land deal into the public spotlight and raising serious questions about the management and protection of public educational resources.
