KPSC chairman suspended over ‘illegal selection’ of daughters in govt service

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on July 13 suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar following allegations that he facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers.

Mr. Gehlot also advised the President to refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for investigation.

The Governor said the suspension was necessary to ensure a fair and impartial investigation and directed the senior-most member of the Commission to discharge the duties of chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) until further orders.

“Hon’ble Governor advised the President of India to approach the Supreme Court of India under Article 317(1) of the Constitution of India for necessary inquiry into the allegations made against Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, Chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission,” the order said. statements were included.

The Governor’s Secretariat said complaints were received seeking action against Sahukar for allegedly facilitating the illegal selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers.

The order stated that Mr. Sahukar did not recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest, but his direct dependents were involved in the KPSC recruitment process.

He also alleged that one of his daughters had obtained income and caste certificate by declaring the family’s annual income as ₹ 40,000, while her father, despite being the KPSC chairman, had concealed the facts and claimed OBC reservation and creamer layer exemption.

According to the ordinance, a government order dated March 30, 2002 prohibits the children of the chairman of the Public Service Commission from claiming reservation under the backward classes quota in Karnataka.

It was also alleged that Mr. Sahukar and his daughter concealed this information to gain unfair advantage.

The Governor’s Secretariat said the income and property declarations as well as other records submitted by the president indicate malfeasance and warrant action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.

It was stated that Mr. Sahukar has been suspended from duty until further instructions of the President to ensure a fair, impartial and uninfluenced investigation while preserving the integrity and credibility of KPSC.