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The Kerala High Court on Thursday (August 20) issued notice before admission on a plea challenging the nomination of 3 persons into the Senate of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued notice to Advocate Kabeer K.K., Anson P. Antony and Abbad Lufti A., whose nomination has been challenged by two former Senate members.

The challenge is on the ground that these nominees did not possess the requisite qualifications mandated by the Cochin University of Science and Technology Act, 1986.

According to the plea, Advocate Kabeer's nomination under “expert from the field of Higher Education” is not valid since he is a lawyer by profession and also since 'advocate' is made a separate statutory category for the purpose of constitution of the Senate.

With respect to one of the other nominees under category of expert from Higher Education, it is stated that he is a Section Officer in the University and that merely because he is working in the university, he may not have any expertise in the field. Regarding the other nominee, it is stated in the plea that the nomination order does not disclose any qualification possessed by him for being qualified for nomination.

"The Petitioners submit that the nomination of persons who do not satisfy the statutory qualification would directly affect the lawful composition of the Senate and, consequently, the validity of the decisions and proceedings in which such persons may participate as members. The petitioners have a legitimate and substantial interest in ensuring that the Senate, of which they were statutory members, is constituted in accordance with the Act," states the plea.

The plea seeks a declaration that the nomination of the afore three persons to the Senate is illegal. The petitioners have also sought to quash the nomination order to the extend it nominates these three persons. Additionally, a direction is prayed for to nominate new, qualified members to replace them.

As an interim relief, the government order is sought to be stayed, to the extend it nominates the afore persons.

The case is posted to September 17 for further consideration.

The petition is moved by Advocates V.K. Prasad, Nitya R., Josna C.F., Akhil R. Menon, and Alveena K. A.

Case No: WP(C) 29049/2026

Case Title: C.R. Soman and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

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