The Kerala High Court on Monday (July 20) closed the plea filed challenging the appointment of Advocate Girija Gopal as standing counsel for the Kerala University by its Vice-Chancellor after removing Advocate Thomas, who was appointed by the Syndicate in 2016. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 383]

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that the plea has become infructuous since Advocate Thomas Abraham had resigned.

The Court, however, left open the question raised in the writ petition:

"The respondent University has filed a memo producing a copy of the resignation letter of the earlier Standing Counsel. On a perusal of the said letter, it is evident that the erstwhile standing counsel has tendered his resignation. In view of the above, the relief sought for in the writ petition has become infructuous. However, the question raised in the writ petition is left open for consideration in appropriate case. Closed."

In 2016, Advocate Abraham was appointed by the Syndicate. Thereafter, on June 29, the VC terminated Abraham as the Standing Counsel and appointed Girija instead vide an order passed invoking his powers under Section 10(13) of the Kerala University Act, 1974.

Challenging the appointment, the present plea was filed. In the plea, it was pointed out that as per Chapter 40 of the Kerala University First Statutes, 1977, the University's Syndicate is the competent authority for appointing the standing counsel for the varsity.

It thus raised a question as to whether the VC can unilaterally appoint standing counsel by invoking powers under Section 10(13).

According to the plea, the afore power could be invoked only when the Syndicate is not in session and in exigencies, genuinely justified. Thus, the petition had termed that VC's order as legally unsustainable and an abuse of power, bypassing the powers of the Syndicate.

However, while the plea was pending, Advocate Thomas tendered his resignation.

The petition was moved by Advocates Asif M.A. and Gautham H. Senior Advocate George Poonthottam and Advocate Nisha George are appearing for the University and the Vice-Chancellor.

Case No: WP(C) 22287/2026

Case Title: Dr. Manoj T.R. v. University of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 383