Karnataka civil service chairman suspended over ‘illegal selection’ of daughters

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, the Chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), amid serious allegations that he facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters for the position of Industrial Extension Officers. The Governor's action is aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.

In a significant move, Governor Gehlot has also recommended that the President of India refer the case to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for a formal inquiry. This constitutional provision allows for the investigation of allegations against the chairman of a Public Service Commission. Until further orders, the senior-most member of the KPSC will discharge the chairman's duties.

Complaints received by the Governor's Secretariat allege that Sahukar failed to recuse himself or declare a conflict of interest while his daughters participated in the KPSC recruitment process. Further accusations suggest that one daughter obtained income and caste certificates by understating the family's annual income to claim OBC reservation and creamy layer exemption, despite her father holding the KPSC chairmanship.

Official records indicate that a government order from 2002 prohibits the children of a Public Service Commission chairman from claiming reservation under the backward classes quota in Karnataka. The allegations suggest Sahukar and his daughter suppressed this information to gain an unfair advantage. The Governor's Secretariat stated that income and property returns, along with other records, point towards misconduct, necessitating action to protect the integrity and credibility of the KPSC.

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The Hon'ble 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 Sri Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, Chairman, Karnataka Public Service Commission.