HC stays decision to cancel Arun Kumars PhD

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday stayed an order of Kerala University which invalidated IHRD Director VA Arun Kumar's registration for PhD.Chief Justice J Chelameswar and Justice Antony Dominic passed the order on a petition filed by Arun Kumar, the son of Opposition Leader VS Achuthanandan, challenging the Single Bench order which had earlier upheld the university's order.It was the standing committee of the Syndicate which recommended cancellation of Arun Kumar's registration. "There was no further discussion on the recommendation of the Syndicate," the court said."There is no explanation regarding the petitioner's experience or educational qualification in the final decision."However, the court said that the university can initiate fresh action after issuing a showcause notice.The university had invited applications for PhD registration on December 8, 2005. Those who had seven years of teaching experience were eligible to get admission without an entrance examination. Arun Kumar, who produced certificates for the required teaching experience, was admitted in November 2006.Later, the media reported that there were irregularities in the admission. Following this, the Syndicate cancelled the registration and a showcause notice was issued to Arun Kumar.