that the petitioner has to be relegated to the statutory authorities. The petitioner is due to retire on 31.5.2022 and this matter was admitted by this Court on 23.3.2021 and stay was also granted at the time of admission itself. The specific case of the petitioner is that there is violation of the principles of natural justice and non-compliance of the directions issued by this Court in the earlier proceeding. In view of the above, I do not think it would be proper to refer the petitioner to his alternate remedy, if any. Furthermore, as per the Kerala University First Statutes, 1977 ‘Disciplinary authority’, as defined under Statute 18(b) is the authority competent under the Statute to impose penalty. Regulation 70 of the Conditions of service of Teachers and Members of Non-Teaching Staff First Statutes, 1979 says that the Educational Agency shall be the disciplinary authority in respect of a teacher of a private college. In the case on hand, Ext.P5 memo, as well as Ext.P10 proceedings, have been issued by the Manager of the College. Though it is contended by the petitioner that the order passed by the Manager is one without jurisdiction, the same has not been controverted in the counter affidavit filed by the respondents. In that view of the matter, the order passed against the petitioner cannot be sustained on that count as well.
