NEW DELHI: Priya Varghese, wife of K K Ragesh, private secretary of the chief minister, has incurred a major blow in the appointment controversy as associate professor in Kannur University. The University Grants Commission (UGC) informed the Kerala High Court that the research period cannot be considered as teaching experience. The court extended to a month the interim stay on the appointment.

The UGC Standing Committee informed the court that the research period cannot be considered as teaching experience. The court directed to submit this in writing. The court directed Kannur University and Priya Varghese to give a written explanation on the matter. The case has been postponed to September 16.
The high court had earlier blocked the appointment of Malayalam Associate Professor from the rank list in Kannur University. This was clarified in the interim order issued by Justice Devan Ramachandran staying the appointment of Priya Varghese till August 31.

Priya’s score was the lowest among the six research scholars considered for the post. Joseph Scaria, who came first scoring 651 marks was made second after making Priya Varghese first who had only 156 marks, after the interview. Priya got 32 marks for the interview and Scaria 30. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan had frozen the appointment procedures of Priya after her appointment kicked up a controversy.