Calicut University’s Land Lease For Football Stadium Sparks 'Land Grab' Row

Calicut University's plan to lease land for a football stadium to a private entity has sparked protests. The Save University Campaign Committee said the deal was based on vested interests.

A recent decision by Calicut University (CU) to lease 42 acres of its land to a private entity for the construction of a football stadium, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has landed the varsity in a storm. The move has drawn protests, with the Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) raising alarms.

The SUCC has claimed that the deal is just a real estate transaction driven by vested interests rather than the university's welfare, reported The Times Of India. The protesters further alleged that it was an attempt to grab the university's land under the veil of development, reported Mathrubhumi.

SUCC Seeks Kerala Governor's Intervention

SUCC has now petitioned Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, urging him to intervene. The organisation argues that the decision could lead to financial and administrative troubles similar to those experienced by Kerala University, which previously leased out 37 acres for the Kariavattom Greenfield Stadium.

According to SUCC, the stadium lessees failed to pay approximately Rs 84 crore in lease fees to Kerala University. Despite the staggering dues, the university has yet to take meaningful action to recover the amount. The committee further claims that the land, valued at around Rs 400 crore, has effectively slipped out of the university’s control. It also stated that officials are uncertain about who currently manages the stadium, TOI reported.

Rs 70 Crore Dues For Kerala University

Kerala Minister V Abdurahiman said in the assembly that Kerala University had dues worth Rs 70 crore till at least Rs 2022. The dues have now risen to around Rs 84 crore, reported Mathrubhumi. 

Land Transfer 'Deeply Concerning'

SUCC views Calicut University's latest decision — transferring 42 acres of prime land worth an estimated Rs 500 crore to a private agency — as "deeply concerning". The syndicate's approval reportedly came following directives from Kerala’s Sports Minister Abdul Rahman, further fueling apprehensions about the deal’s transparency.

In its petition, SUCC has urged Governor Arlekar to step in and halt the agreement, demanding a thorough review of the lease arrangement. The committee is also pressing for the annulment of Kerala University’s similar land lease for the Kariavattom stadium, arguing that such deals set dangerous precedents for public educational institutions.

Adding to the broader concerns over university land allocation, Kerala University’s syndicate recently approved another controversial decision — leasing out approximately 10 acres for the establishment of science parks in partnership with private entities. Critics fear that such moves could lead to long-term financial and administrative complications, ultimately undermining the interests of public universities.