Governors as Chancellors in India: Rising Friction in Higher Education

Context:
Recent clashes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala have reignited debate over Governors’ role as university Chancellors, with allegations of overreach and political interference.

Governor as Chancellor – Key Facts

• Statutory, Not Constitutional: The role comes from State University Acts, not the Constitution.
• Powers Include: Appointing Vice-Chancellors (VCs), approving university bills, and resolving disputes.
• Controversial Influence: Governors are increasingly seen as political agents, not neutral academic overseers.

Recent Controversies (2024–2025)

🔴 Tamil Nadu:

• Governor R.N. Ravi withheld assent to the Kalaignar MA Muhammed University Bill and referred it to the President—delaying implementation.
• Supreme Court Intervention: Struck down Governor’s de facto veto on 10 university bills, calling delays “unconstitutional”.

🔴 Kerala:

• Governor Arlekar mandated universities to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (14 Aug)—criticized as ideological imposition.

Judicial & Legal Responses

✅ SC Sets Deadlines: Governors must now respond to university bills within a fixed timeline.
✅ Referrals Declared Infructuous: Presidential review based on Governor’s referral was dismissed.
✅ Autonomy Upheld: Courts reaffirmed that Governors cannot override elected state governments in university matters.

Problems with Current System

🚫 Erosion of Federalism: Governors bypass state councils in VC appointments.
🚫 Politicisation: Decisions align with ruling party at Centre, not academic merit.
🚫 Administrative Delays: Prolonged VC vacancies disrupt university functioning.
🚫 Undermined Autonomy: Senate and syndicate powers are ignored.

Way Forward – Reforms Needed

🔹 VC Appointment Reform: Create independent VC collegiums (like judicial appointments) with academic experts.
🔹 Legal Clarity: Amend University Acts to clearly define Chancellor’s powers and prevent misuse.
🔹 Empower University Bodies: Strengthen senates, syndicates, and academic councils.
🔹 Federal Balance: Respect state autonomy while ensuring national education standard