A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Governor Thawarchand Gehlot suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and recommended a Supreme Court probe into the misconduct allegations against him.
As previously reported by HT, the move, believed to be the first of its kind against a KPSC chairperson or member, was taken under Section 317(1) of the Constitution, which deals with the removal of members of the Public Service Commission.
Why was action taken against Sahukar?
According to the Governor’s Secretariat, the complaints alleged that Sahukar used his position to facilitate the selection of his two daughters as industrial extension employees in a recruitment process supervised by the Public Sector Services Commission.
The Secretariat said that Sahukar did not back out of the recruitment process even though his daughters had applied. It also alleged that he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest while chairing the committee responsible for appointments.
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The allegations also indicate that one of his daughters obtained an income and caste certificate showing the family’s annual income $40,000 and the benefits claimed under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, along with the creamy layer exemption. The authorities alleged that material facts were concealed while availing the benefits of detention.
HT reached out to Sahukar for a response, but did not receive any comment.
Alleged violation of booking rules
The Karnataka government order dated March 30, 2002 prohibits the children of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission from claiming reservation benefits under the backward classes quota in the state, the Governor’s Secretariat said.
According to the Secretariat, this restriction was concealed, allowing an undue advantage during the recruitment process.
After examining Sahukar’s income and property returns, along with other relevant records, the secretariat said it found prima facie evidence pointing to “misconduct”, warranting action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.
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“The Governor recommended to the President of India to refer to the Supreme Court of India under Article 317 (1) of the Constitution of India to conduct necessary investigation into the allegations leveled against Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, Chairman, Karnataka Public Service Commission,” the order said.
Sahukar has been associated with KPSC for several years. He was appointed as a member of the committee in September 2019 and later became its Chairman on April 3, 2021, succeeding former IAS officer Shadakshari Swamy on his retirement. The appointment was made by the then Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.
Pending the investigation, the governor directed the most senior member of the committee to assume the responsibilities of chairperson, saying the move was necessary to protect the integrity of the recruitment body and ensure a fair investigation.
