Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has chosen not to act on two controversial university bills, instead forwarding them to the President for a final call. The bills in question — the University Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Private Universities Bill — would give the state government greater powers over university administration.
The timing is crucial: the President has already sought a Supreme Court opinion on whether Governors and the President must act within a fixed time frame while handling bills. To avoid complications, the Governor referred the bills to Rashtrapati Bhavan before the three-month deadline expired.
The amendment bill has faced sharp criticism for allegedly curbing university independence. It allows the Higher Education Minister, as Pro-Chancellor, to issue directives on both administrative and academic matters, demand explanations, and even preside over Senate meetings. The Governor has flagged these provisions as contradicting UGC guidelines, noting that the Supreme Court has upheld UGC norms in similar disputes.
Sources reveal the Governor also has objections to the Private Universities Bill, particularly regarding the regulatory restrictions it places on establishing and running private institutions.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry recently sought updates from Raj Bhavans nationwide on bills awaiting approval, with the Supreme Court reference still under consideration. As per current law, Governors are expected to take a call within three months. By referring the bills early, the Kerala Governor has ensured compliance while passing the responsibility to the President.
