BJP leader Sandeep Warrier has approached Attorney General of India R Venkataramani seeking permission to initiate criminal contempt of court proceedings against Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu for her statement that the Supreme Court has been supporting the policies of the Central government.
In his application to the Attorney General of India, Sandeep Warrier, who was a former spokesman of the Kerala BJP, alleged that the state Higher Education Minister’s statement that even the Supreme Court is supporting the Centre government policies, following the cancellation of APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University Vice Chancellor MS Rajashree’s appointment, defamed and degraded the Supreme Court
On November 18, Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that even the Supreme Court is standing with the policies of the Central government and that efforts were being made to implement the centralisation in the higher education sector. She also said the apex court’s judgement was in line with the policies of the Centre.
Sandeep Warrier, in his application stated that the statement made by the minister will influence the public. The minister does not enjoy the protection of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution and she is bound to uphold the constitutional principles and the oath of office.
The apex court had on 21 October quashed the appointment of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Vice Chancellor Dr MS Rajashree, observing that as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, the Search Committee constituted by the state should have recommended a panel of not less than three suitable persons among eminent people in the field of engineering science to the Chancellor but instead it sent only one name.