Karnataka Guv suspends KPSC chairman over daughters’ illegal appointments row

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, the chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), amid allegations of misconduct. The governor also recommended that the President of India refer the case to the Supreme Court for an inquiry into Sahukar's alleged actions.

The core of the allegations centers on Sahukar's role in the recruitment process while he presided over the KPSC. Complaints claim he facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters for the positions of Industrial Extension officers. Crucially, he allegedly neither recused himself from the process nor disclosed a conflict of interest, despite his daughters being candidates.

Further details suggest that one of Sahukar's daughters obtained an income and caste certificate that misrepresented the family's annual income as ₹40,000. This allowed her to claim reservation under the Other Backward Classes category, along with a creamy layer exemption, by allegedly concealing material facts. A 2002 Karnataka government order explicitly bars children of a Public Service Commission chairman from availing reservation under the state's backward classes quota, a restriction that was allegedly concealed.

Following an examination of Sahukar's financial records, the governor's secretariat found prima facie evidence of misbehavior warranting action. To ensure an impartial investigation and protect the KPSC's integrity, the governor has placed Sahukar under suspension. The senior-most member of the commission will temporarily discharge the chairman's duties pending the outcome of the proceedings.

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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.