The Kerala High Court was on Monday (July 13) informed that the former standing counsel for the University of Kerala, Advocate Thomas Abraham, has submitted his resignation.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was considering the plea challenging the unilateral appointment of Advocate Girija Gopal as standing counsel for the University by its Vice-Chancellor after removing Advocate Thomas, who was appointed by the Syndicate in 2016.

Yesterday, Advocate Nisha George appearing for the varsity and its VC told that Advocate Thomas had tendered his resignation. She further submitted that the issued raised in the plea has become academic in nature.

The Court, however, noted that the resignation letter has not been produced. It then posted the matter to July 17 (Friday) for further consideration.

"Adv. Nisha George, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of respondents 1 and 2 submitted that the former Standing Counsel of the University had submitted his resignation and therefore, the question raised in this Writ Petition has become academic in nature. However, since a copy of the resignation letter has not been produced, post the Writ Petition on 17.07.2026," the Court mentioned in its order.

The Court had earlier issued notice before admission in the plea and had dispensed with notice to Advocates Abraham and Girija.

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.

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

The petition was moved by Advocates Asif M.A. and Gautham H. Senior Advocate George Poonthottam and Advocate Nisha George is 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.