KSAT stays transfer of Raichur University Registrar Shankareppa Vanikyal

The Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT), Bengaluru Bench, has stayed the State government’s order transferring Shankareppa Vanikyal, Registrar (Administration) of Raichur University.

The tribunal passed an interim order on June 19, 2025, in response to a petition filed by Mr. Vanikyal challenging the legality of his transfer.

The government, through a notification dated June 18, 2025, appointed Channappa A., Registrar (Administration) of Karnataka University, Dharwad, in Mr. Vanikyal’s place.

However, Mr. Vanikyal approached KSAT, contending that the transfer was premature and arbitrary, as he had not completed his tenure and had not been assigned a new post elsewhere.

After examining the petition and relevant documents, the tribunal observed that the transfer guidelines appeared to have been violated, as the order lacked clarity and did not provide an alternative posting to the applicant.

“In view of the prima facie case made out by the applicant, Respondent No. 1 [the State government] is hereby directed not to relieve the applicant from his present post until the next date of hearing,” the tribunal stated in its order.

The KSAT also instructed the Government Pleader to accept the notice on behalf of the respondents and file a reply. The next hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2025.

Following the tribunal’s stay order, Mr. Vanikyal resumed charge as Registrar (Administration) at Raichur University on Friday afternoon.