KPSC row: How the ‘irregularities’ unfolded

At the center of the controversy over reported irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is Suma S. Sahukar, daughter of KPSC chief Shivashankrappa Sahukar, who has been permanently barred from appearing in any future examinations by the commission.

The daughter of the KPSC chairman, who was suspended by the Governor pending investigation, is accused of falsely claiming reservation benefits under OBC Category 3B to facilitate her selection as an Assistant Engineer (Civil) in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in March 2024.

‘Fabricated documents’

KPSC has implemented Rule 20 of the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977, for misconduct involving permanent or debarment for a certain period of time, which would attract penal action, for misconduct such as impersonation, submitting forged documents or tampered documents, or making false or inaccurate statements or concealing material information.

Earlier, Vidhana Soudha police registered an FIR against Ms. Suma Sahukar on Friday. The FIR was registered on a complaint from KPSC, after verification it was revealed that the income certificate was fake as during the election process the candidate’s father was the chairman of KPSC which is a Constitutional post and he was getting a monthly salary of ₹ 2.25 lakh apart from other allowances. Being dependent on her father, she falls into the creamy layer category with an annual income of over ₹8 lakh.

What did the governor say?

The correspondence from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s office stated that Ms. Suma Sahukar had obtained an income and caste certificate declaring the family’s annual income to be ₹40,000 and claimed OBC reservation and cream ovary exemption even though the family’s income allegedly exceeded the prescribed limit. He stated that as per the order of the government of Karnataka dated March 30, 2002, the children of the chairman of the Public Service Commission are not entitled to claim reservation under the remaining classes quota.