Kochi, February 12 The High Court on Thursday allowed the current student union of the Kerala University to continue until its one-year term expires, and also permitted them to hold the arts festivals they had planned.
The court also directed the university to release funds for the festivals.
The interim order came in response to a plea filed by the student union chairman, Ashwin S Nair, arguing that university rules permit the student body to continue for 12 months from the date of its formation, and that this term ends on February 27.
Nair moved the court following an order issued by university Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal dissolving the current student union and reconstituting a new one, as well as denying permission for holding the arts festival that had been previously approved.
Advocate T B Hood, representing Nair, stated that the petition did not challenge the VC's order but only sought to allow the student union to complete its term and hold the arts festivals as planned.
The VC's decision led to the Students Federation of India (SFI) holding a strong protest at the university against Kunnummal.
The court asked the university's lawyer to provide instructions regarding the plea by February 16, and issued a notice to the VC through a special messenger.
Following the interim order by the High Court, activists of SFI, the student wing of the CPI(M), held demonstrations outside the VC's residence.