A fresh political storm is brewing in Kerala’s academic and political circles after the CPI(M)-led state government’s controversial Kerala University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Assembly, sparking accusations of stifling dissent, tightening political control over universities, and selectively curbing the freedom of expression of educators.

The bill, which amends existing university governance laws, outlines new powers for the pro-chancellor, a role held by the Higher Education Minister, and includes a provision that restricts teachers from engaging in activities that “go against state laws and university policies.”

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Notably, the bill permits criticism of central government laws and policies, while apparently drawing the line at criticism of the state’s functioning.

This wording, seemingly benign at first glance, has triggered a heated backlash. People say it is a thinly veiled attempt to silence university teachers and student bodies from speaking out against the Left government’s policies in Kerala, while conveniently allowing opposition to the central government.

What’s in the Bill?

The Kerala University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, makes structural and administrative changes across several universities, including Kerala University, Calicut University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, and Kannur University.

Key provisions include:

• Enhanced powers to the Pro-Chancellor (the Higher Education Minister) to preside over university senate meetings and convocations in the Chancellor’s absence.

• Pro-chancellors can seek any information related to the university’s academic or administrative affairs and can escalate matters to the Chancellor.

• Teachers or organisations are allowed to distribute printed or digital material without prior university approval only if it complies with “university policy and state law.”

  The person or group responsible for the material must be explicitly identified.

In response to the criticism, Higher Education Minister R Bindu dismissed the interpretation as “distorted.” Speaking to The News Minute, she clarified that the term “state law” refers to the laws of the Republic of India, and not the laws specifically passed by the Kerala state government.

“We are allowing teachers their organisational freedom,” she insisted. “The clause is meant to prevent bureaucratic delays and give teachers more freedom, not less. The provision is being misinterpreted,” she told The News Minute.

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Opposition parties, student unions, and academic voices have not bought into the minister’s defence. They argue that the wording leaves ample room for ambiguity and misuse.

“The government says the bill protects teachers’ rights—but how can you claim freedom when you’re muzzling criticism of your policies?” asked VD Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition. “This is not about interpretation. It’s about intention,” he said while addressing the media.

On social media and university campuses, the outrage is louder. Hashtag like #SelectiveFreeSpeech is trending across Kerala. Many believe the bill is a backdoor move to silence dissenters within academia, a space that has traditionally held the Left government to account.

#Kerala‘s new University Bill bars teachers from speaking against the state government…yet places no limits on criticising the Centre

So much for free speech! pic.twitter.com/PpstIz8nat

— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) May 21, 2025

⁠-New University Bill bans college & university teachers from criticising Pinarayi Vijayan govt & his policies

-But criticism of Central govt is permitted

Freedom of Speech saar? Libtards? pic.twitter.com/i4CX7XlcAx

— BALA (@erbmjha) May 21, 2025

“It’s laughable that the same government that lectures others about democratic rights now wants to gag its own professors,” said a senior professor at Calicut University, requesting anonymity. “Apparently, you can shout against Delhi from rooftops, but whisper a word about Thiruvananthapuram, and you’re in trouble,” the professor added.

Beyond free speech concerns, the bill has come under fire for what many describe as a systematic power grab. By granting the pro-chancellor (the minister) sweeping authority over university functions, critics argue that the autonomy of universities is being eroded. The appointment and roles of vice-chancellors, already a contentious issue in Kerala are now potentially undermined further.

Even some within the Left’s traditional support base are uneasy. SFI (Students’ Federation of India), the student wing of the CPI(M), has maintained a careful silence so far.