Ciza Thomas case: Kerala HC reserves order on plea by former vice-chancellor of tech varsity against govt withholding her pensionary benefits

Kochi: HC on Tuesday reserved its order on a petition filed by Ciza Thomas, former vice-chancellor (VC) of the Kerala Technological University (KTU), seeking a directive to the state govt to release her pensionary benefits and monthly pension.

Considering the plea, a bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Johnson John orally criticised the state's stand that an inquiry relating to Thomas's liability certificate was still pending. The bench observed that such a practice was ‘unheard of' and noted that if the govt had any disciplinary or financial claims, it ought to have identified and acted upon them before the petitioner's retirement. "In this case, the petitioner retired two years ago, and the state govt is still searching for any liability," HC remarked, indicating its dissatisfaction with the delay. The bench then concluded that it would pass orders in due course and adjourned the matter.

Thomas, who served as senior joint director in the directorate of technical education, was appointed KTU VC in Nov 2022 by then chancellor Arif Muhamed Khan, after he rejected the state govt's recommendation to appoint the higher education department principal secretary to the post.

She retired from service on March 31, 2023, and was issued a charge memo the same day, alleging that she had assumed charge as VC without govt approval. HC later quashed the charge memo proceedings, and the SC upheld that decision. Despite this, the state govt continued to withhold her pensionary benefits, prompting the present petition.