Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days. The governor has also written to the state high court to conduct a judicial probe into the matter.

J S Sidharthan was allegedly tortured by the students after he reportedly danced with senior women students on Valentine’s Day. So far, 11 people have been arrested by police, including four leaders of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the state’s ruling Communist Party (Marxist).

<h2>Governor blasts VC</h2>

In his suspension order, Governor Khan stated that the VC was not acting with “desired sincerity” in the&nbsp;matter.

He alleged affairs in the university are not being attended by the VC with the “desired sincerity, gravity and promptness” as mandated in the acts/statutes of the university and other relevant regulations.

Watch:&nbsp;India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures

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“The indifferent, negligent and callous attitude of the VC towards his duties and responsibilities especially against the background of the unfortunate incident is revealed from his report. There was gross dereliction of duty on the part of the VC during the period that led to the unfortunate incident,” the suspension order further read.

<h2>Kerala’s left government in tight spot</h2>

The governor’s action in the J S Sidharthan suicide case has put the state’s Left Front government in a tight spot, whose student wing stands in the dock.

This comes ahead of the crucial general elections. The CPM is in a fix as it can neither oppose nor condemn Khan for his actions as it would be seen as&nbsp;government’s tacit support for the alleged murderers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj6wKfOzdeEAxVns1YBHaLjDzYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-karnataka-congress-govt-for-compensating-kerala-man-killed-by-elephant-692013" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-karnataka-congress-govt-for-compensating-kerala-man-killed-by-elephant-692013&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6wKfOzdeEAxVns1YBHaLjDzYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">BJP-Congress politics in Karnataka, Kerala over man reportedly killed by elephant. Here's what happened</a>

Meanwhile, the boy’s father Jayaprakash has accused the ruling side of protecting the accused students.

The governor earlier visited the boy’s family in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (Mar 1) and assured them of action against the culprits.

“I never knew the governor had such powers,” said Jayaprakash on the suspension of the VC by Khan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days.

Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days. The governor has also written to the state high court to conduct a judicial probe into the matter. J S Sidharthan was allegedly tortured by the students after he reportedly danced with senior women students on Valentine’s Day. So far, 11 people have been arrested by police, including four leaders of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the state’s ruling Communist Party (Marxist). Governor blasts VC In his suspension order, Governor Khan stated that the VC was not acting with “desired sincerity” in the matter. He alleged affairs in the university are not being attended by the VC with the “desired sincerity, gravity and promptness” as mandated in the acts/statutes of the university and other relevant regulations. Watch: India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures × “The indifferent, negligent and callous attitude of the VC towards his duties and responsibilities especially against the background of the unfortunate incident is revealed from his report. There was gross dereliction of duty on the part of the VC during the period that led to the unfortunate incident,” the suspension order further read. Kerala’s left government in tight spot The governor’s action in the J S Sidharthan suicide case has put the state’s Left Front government in a tight spot, whose student wing stands in the dock. This comes ahead of the crucial general elections. The CPM is in a fix as it can neither oppose nor condemn Khan for his actions as it would be seen as government’s tacit support for the alleged murderers. Also read: BJP-Congress politics in Karnataka, Kerala over man reportedly killed by elephant. Here's what happened Meanwhile, the boy’s father Jayaprakash has accused the ruling side of protecting the accused students. The governor earlier visited the boy’s family in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (Mar 1) and assured them of action against the culprits. “I never knew the governor had such powers,” said Jayaprakash on the suspension of the VC by Khan. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala Gov Arif Mohammed Khan suspends VC in student suicide case, puts ruling CPM in spot

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-withdrawal-of-caa-271267">notice for resolution</a> by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution.

Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-witnesses-disruptions-over-sabarimala-issue-181126">weakening the federal system</a> of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-drama-in-kerala-assembly-as-mlas-block-governors-way-display-anti-caa-placards-277196">High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards</a>

Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution. Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of weakening the federal system of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters. Also Read: High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said. Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly dismisses resolution to recall Governor Arif Mohammed Khan

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan.

Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he would still read out the 18th paragraph, the portion regarding the CAA, in his policy speech only to "honour the wish of Chief Minister" Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Now I come to Para 18, I have been corresponding with the honourable chief minister for the last few days, I have my reservations because in my view...I am going to read it, I am going to read this Para because the Honorable CM wants me to read this," said Khan giving the Governor's customary policy speech in the House on the opening day of the Budget Session.

"Although I hold the view that this doesn't come under the definition of policy or program. The CM has himself said in his letter that this is the view of government. I disagree, but to honour his wish I am going to read this para," he added.

Further, he read the para, "Our citizenship can never be on the basis of religion. The august house has passed a resolution requesting the central government to abrogate the CAA which my government believes goes against cardinal principles and line of our constitution....."

Also Read:&nbsp;

Before his address to the House, the Assembly witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters and banners against Khan as soon as he arrived in the House for his address.

MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan had accompanied Khan into the House when Congress-led UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House.

Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly.

Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he would still read out the 18th paragraph, the portion regarding the CAA, in his policy speech only to "honour the wish of Chief Minister" Pinarayi Vijayan. "Now I come to Para 18, I have been corresponding with the honourable chief minister for the last few days, I have my reservations because in my view...I am going to read it, I am going to read this Para because the Honorable CM wants me to read this," said Khan giving the Governor's customary policy speech in the House on the opening day of the Budget Session. "Although I hold the view that this doesn't come under the definition of policy or program. The CM has himself said in his letter that this is the view of government. I disagree, but to honour his wish I am going to read this para," he added. Further, he read the para, "Our citizenship can never be on the basis of religion. The august house has passed a resolution requesting the central government to abrogate the CAA which my government believes goes against cardinal principles and line of our constitution....." Also Read: Before his address to the House, the Assembly witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters and banners against Khan as soon as he arrived in the House for his address. MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan had accompanied Khan into the House when Congress-led UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Governor expresses reservation but reads out anti-CAA portion in Budget address to honour Kerala CM's wish

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act.

On Friday, Khan had hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law. He said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

"The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">Breach of protocol - Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA</a>

On Thursday, Khan described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over the Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.&nbsp;

"This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan stated.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

Kerala and Punjab are the two states to have already passed a resolution against the new citizenship law that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is also mulling over moving a resolution against the new citizenship law in Maharashtra Assembly.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act. On Friday, Khan had hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law. He said he will seek a report in connection to the matter. "The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters. Also read: Breach of protocol - Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA On Thursday, Khan described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over the Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol. "This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan stated. Also read: After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act Kerala and Punjab are the two states to have already passed a resolution against the new citizenship law that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is also mulling over moving a resolution against the new citizenship law in Maharashtra Assembly.

Kerala Governor seeks explanation from state chief secretary over government's moving SC against CAA 

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)."

While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws.

"This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added.

"You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added.

The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254. On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)." While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws. "This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added. "You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

The Governor also said that his duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery does not collapse in the state.

"The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters.

He read out the clause of Rule of Business and said he was informed about the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA</a>

"My role is to see the business of the government is transacted in accordance with the Constitution. I am there to ensure that the Constitution is respected and followed in letter and spirit," Khan said, adding he was not claiming supremacy and that no one is above the law.

"I was not even informed that the government is going to challenge a Central law which is none of the concern of the State government. The CAA is a subject of the Central list as specified in the Constitution," he said.

The Governor further said, "The government cannot issue any order without the approval of the Governor. If the government wants to issue an order to go to the Supreme Court, they should first seek approval from the Governor. The Rule of Business is clear. My duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery is not collapsed."

Khan later told ANI that there are no differences between him and the Kerala government.

"There are no differences between us. It is my responsibility to ensure that things do not reach a stage where there is a collapse of the constitutional machinery," he said.

The Vijayan-led government has moved the top court against the new citizenship law alleging it violates the basic principle of secularism.

The Kerala Assembly had also passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 
&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter. The Governor also said that his duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery does not collapse in the state. "The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters. He read out the clause of Rule of Business and said he was informed about the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Also read: Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA "My role is to see the business of the government is transacted in accordance with the Constitution. I am there to ensure that the Constitution is respected and followed in letter and spirit," Khan said, adding he was not claiming supremacy and that no one is above the law. "I was not even informed that the government is going to challenge a Central law which is none of the concern of the State government. The CAA is a subject of the Central list as specified in the Constitution," he said. The Governor further said, "The government cannot issue any order without the approval of the Governor. If the government wants to issue an order to go to the Supreme Court, they should first seek approval from the Governor. The Rule of Business is clear. My duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery is not collapsed." Khan later told ANI that there are no differences between him and the Kerala government. "There are no differences between us. It is my responsibility to ensure that things do not reach a stage where there is a collapse of the constitutional machinery," he said. The Vijayan-led government has moved the top court against the new citizenship law alleging it violates the basic principle of secularism. The Kerala Assembly had also passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Kerala Governor to seek report from State government for moving SC against Citizenship Act