In a rare administrative move, the Registrar of Calicut University has been handed temporary charge of the Department Students' Union after faculty members refused to serve due to alleged misconduct by student officials.

  • Registrar C.D. Sebastian has been assigned temporary charge of the Department Students' Union (DSU) at Calicut University.
  • Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran cited 'unacceptable behaviour' by student union officials as the reason for faculty reluctance.
  • The DSU secretary has dismissed these allegations as baseless and accused the administration of political bias.

The University of Calicut in Kerala is currently facing an unprecedented administrative standoff. In a significant move, the university has appointed Registrar C.D. Sebastian to hold the temporary charge of the President of the Department Students' Union (DSU). The DSU is the elected body representing students across various teaching departments at the university's main campus in Tenhipalam, Malappuram.

According to an official order issued by K. Fazalurahman, Dean of Students’ Welfare, the decision was spearheaded by Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran. The administration stated that no faculty member was willing to take up the role of DSU President—a position typically held by a faculty member—due to the 'unacceptable behaviour' exhibited by union officials. This refusal by the teaching staff highlights a growing rift between the student political bodies and the university administration.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is a symptom of a larger systemic issue within Indian higher education, where aggressive student politics can sometimes undermine administrative authority. When faculty members feel compelled to step back from leadership roles to avoid confrontation, it signals a breakdown in the institutional hierarchy and disciplinary framework.

The refusal of faculty to engage with student leadership due to behavioral concerns marks a critical turning point in campus governance.

The controversy deepened following the withdrawal of P. Sivadasan, a professor from the Department of History, from the position. While originally appointed, Sivadasan cited his overwhelming responsibilities, including his role as Head of the Department of Political Science and General Secretary of the South Indian History Congress, as reasons for his inability to accept the post.

However, the DSU leadership has hit back. Secretary K. Sabah Thanveer termed the university's claims as 'baseless,' asserting that no teacher had officially lodged complaints regarding misconduct. Thanveer further alleged that the university is shielding certain elements of the Muslim Students’ Federation (MSF), claiming that ruckus during the 2025 polls led to the resignation of the previous DSU president, V.A. Shahana.

Did You Know?: The Department Students' Union (DSU) plays a pivotal role in campus life, acting as the primary bridge between the student body and the university administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the Vice-Chancellor appoint the Registrar as DSU President?
Because faculty members were unwilling to take the charge due to the alleged misconduct of student union members.

2. What is the student union's response to these allegations?
The DSU secretary has denied the allegations and accused the administration of failing to act against specific political groups.