Daughters' selection, OBC quota row: Why Karnataka Governor suspended KPSC chief

A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar over allegations of misconduct and recommended a Supreme Court inquiry into the matter under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.

The development assumes significance with reports indicating that it is the first known instance of action being initiated against a sitting KPSC chairman or member under the constitutional provision governing the removal of Public Service Commission officials, reported the Hindustan Times.

Governor orders inquiry

The Governor's Secretariat said that, according to complaints, Sahukar used his official position to facilitate the selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers in a recruitment process conducted by the KPSC.

Also Read: Bidadi survey turns chaotic; women chase away officials with brooms

Sahukar allegedly continued to oversee the recruitment exercise despite both his daughters being candidates.

Conflict of interest alleged

He is also accused of neither recusing himself from the selection process nor disclosing a potential conflict of interest while presiding over the commission responsible for the appointments.

Also Read: Karnataka to set up 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas: Dy CM Parameshwara

According to the complaints, one of his daughters secured an income and caste certificate declaring the family's annual income as Rs 40,000 and availed reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, including creamy layer exemption.

Authorities stated that material facts were concealed while claiming these benefits. The Governor's Secretariat also pointed to a Karnataka government order dated March 30, 2002, which bars children of the chairman of a Public Service Commission from claiming reservation under the state's backward classes quota.

Reservation benefit questioned

Elaborating further, it stated that this restriction was suppressed, enabling an undue advantage during the recruitment process.

After examining Sahukar's income and property declarations along with other relevant records, the Governor's Secretariat said it found prima facie evidence suggesting "misbehaviour", warranting action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.

Also Read: Singer S Janaki cremated with full state honours

"The Governor has recommended to the President of India to make reference to the Supreme Court of India under Article 317(1) of the Constitution of India for necessary enquiry into the allegations made against Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, Chairman, Karnataka Public Service Commission," the order stated.

Chairman suspended pending probe

Pending the inquiry, the Governor directed the senior-most member of the KPSC to discharge the chairman's responsibilities until further orders, saying the decision was necessary to ensure a fair, impartial and uninfluenced investigation while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the recruitment body.

Sahukar has been associated with the KPSC since September 2019, when he was appointed as a member. He assumed charge as chairman on April 3, 2021, succeeding former IAS officer Shadakshari Swamy following his retirement. His appointment was made by then Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.

(With agency inputs)