Karnataka Governor Suspends KPSC Chairman, Seeks Supreme Court Probe Over Daughter's Selection
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankrappa S. Sahukar, pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct linked to the illegal selection of his daughter through the KPSC process.
The Governor has recommended to the President of India to refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for an inquiry into the allegations against Mr. Sahukar.
“To further ensure a fair, impartial and uninfluenced investigation while protecting the integrity and credibility of the KPSC, the Governor has placed the Chairman under suspension until further orders from the President’s office,” a statement from the Lok Bhavan said on Monday.
The Governor has also directed the senior-most member of the commission to function as the Acting Chairman until further orders from the President.
An FIR was registered by the Vidhana Soudha police on July 10 against Suma S. Sahukar, the Chairman’s daughter, for allegedly claiming reservation benefits under the 3B category by producing an Income and Asset Certificate declaring a family annual income of ₹40,000. This was to be selected for the post of Junior Engineer (Civil) in the Department of Industries and Commerce in March 2024.
The FIR was based on a complaint from the KPSC, which verified that the income certificate was false. At the time of selection, her father was the KPSC Chairman drawing a monthly salary of ₹2.25 lakh, besides other allowances.
The High Court of Karnataka on July 10 stayed a resolution passed by the KPSC on June 19, which had asked the Chairman to resign on moral grounds over his daughter’s alleged illegal selection.
The Governor’s Secretariat statement said that the Lok Bhavan had received complaints alleging that the Chairman facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters to the posts of Industrial Extension Officers. It said the Chairman failed to recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest while his direct dependents participated in the KPSC recruitment process.
It further stated that one of his daughters obtained an income and caste certificate declaring the family’s annual income as ₹40,000 and claimed OBC reservation and creamy layer exemption, despite the family’s income allegedly exceeding the prescribed limit. Under a State Government Order dated March 30, 2002, children of the Chairman of a Public Service Commission are not eligible to claim reservation under the backward classes quota.
The Governor’s Secretariat said the alleged suppression of material facts, supported by the Chairman’s income and property returns and other records, amounted to “misbehaviour” warranting action under the Constitution.
