Kannur University Issues Appointment Order To Priya Varghese, Wife Of Kerala CM's Private Secretary

On August 17, 2022, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan did not give the nod for Priya's appointment due to alleged nepotism. 

The UGC, however, has said that it will appeal to the Supreme Court against the appointment of Priya.

Priya Varghese, the wife of CM Pinarayi Vijayan's secretary KK Ragesh, received the appointment order from Malayalam Department of Kannur University after months of legal issues. As per the order, Priya has also been asked to join us in next 15 days at Nileshwaram campus in Kasargod district. The move comes after the division bench overturned a single bench judgment that told them to re-scrutinize her appointment after the second-ranked candidate raised objections against her appointment. 

After the order, Priya filed a caveat petition in the SC. She filed the petition fearing that the second-ranked candidate would approach the apex court seeking a stay on her appointment. 

The UGC, however, has said that it will appeal to the Supreme Court against the appointment of Priya. The UGC is likely to demand a stay on HC verdict, said a report on Manorama. 

On August 17, 2022, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan did not give the nod for Priya's appointment. He refused to provide acceptance by alleging nepotism. 

Against this backdrop, the second candidate in the rank list, Dr Joesph Scaria, filed a petition based on the Governor's order. 

As a result, the single-judge bench of Madras HC ruled that Priya does not have the required qualification. It also said that the appointment should be reconsidered.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) supposed the appointment of Priya. They critiqued the people who opposed her appointment. 

Ragesh is a close aide of CM Vijayan. He has also served as a Rajya Sabha member of CPI(M). 

The issue also came to light during an RTI query which revealed that Priya got the maximum mark of 32 out of 50 in personal interview while the candidate who ranked second Jacob Skariah scored 30.