A political and administrative controversy has unfolded in Karnataka after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and recommended a Supreme Court inquiry into allegations of misconduct against him.
The action, is believed to be the first instance of a serving KPSC chairman or member being proceeded against in this manner. The Governor invoked Article 317(1) of the Constitution, which governs the removal of members of a Public Service Commission.
According to the Governor's Secretariat, complaints against Sahukar alleged that he misused his official position to facilitate the selection of his two daughters as industrial extension officers through a recruitment process conducted by the KPSC.
The Secretariat stated that Sahukar continued to participate in the recruitment process despite both of his daughters being candidates. It further alleged that he did not disclose the apparent conflict of interest while presiding over the commission overseeing the appointments.
The allegations also claim that one of his daughters obtained an income and caste certificate declaring the family's annual income as ₹40,000 and availed reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, along with creamy layer exemption. Officials have alleged that relevant material facts were concealed while claiming these reservation benefits.
The Governor's Secretariat also referred to a Karnataka government order dated March 30, 2002, which, it said, bars children of a Public Service Commission chairman from availing reservation benefits under the state's backward classes quota.
According to the Secretariat, the existence of this restriction was allegedly concealed, resulting in an unfair advantage during the recruitment exercise.
After reviewing Sahukar's income and property declarations, along with other available records, the Secretariat said it found prima facie material indicating "misbehaviour", justifying action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.
"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.
Sahukar has served in the KPSC for several years. He joined the commission as a member in September 2019 before being appointed chairman on April 3, 2021, after the retirement of former IAS officer Shadakshari Swamy. His appointment as chairman was made by then Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.
Until the inquiry is completed, the Governor has directed the senior-most member of the commission to discharge the chairman's duties, stating that the arrangement is intended to safeguard the credibility of the recruitment body and ensure that the investigation proceeds fairly.
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