C.D. Sebastian, Registrar, University of Calicut, has been given the temporary charge of president of the department students’ union (DSU), the elected body of students belonging to various teaching departments on the university’s main campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district. DSU president is the faculty member in-charge of the union.

An order issued by K. Fazalurahman, Dean, Students’ Welfare, on August 23, says that Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran took this decision because “none of the teachers at the university is willing to take charge as the president of the DSU due to the unacceptable behaviour of the union officials”.

The order says that P. Sivadasan, professor, Department of History, was earlier appointed the DSU president. Later, Mr. Sivadasan intimated the authorities that he is at present entrusted with the responsibilities of the Head of the Department of Political Science along with his regular academic duties, and is also serving as the general secretary of the South Indian History Congress. In view of these multiple responsibilities and commitments, he expressed his unwillingness to accept the post.

‘Baseless charge’

However, K. Sabah Thanveer, secretary, DSU, termed the charge against the union functionaries baseless. He pointed out that none of the teachers on the campus had officially levelled any such allegations.

Mr. Thanveer also alleged that the university authorities are unwilling to take action against a section of Muslim Students’ Federation (MSF) leaders on the campus who raised a ruckus during the DSU polls in 2025. This had led to the then DSU president V.A. Shahana quitting her post, Mr. Thanveer said.

Published - August 23, 2026 04:54 pm IST