Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Monday suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar over allegations that he facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters as industrial extension employees.
Gehlot also recommended to the President to refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution to investigate the allegations, according to news agency PTI.
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Suspension necessary for investigation: Governor
The governor also directed that the most senior member of the committee assume the duties of chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission until further orders, saying the suspension was necessary to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
“The Hon’ble Governor has recommended to the President of India to refer to the Supreme Court of India under Article 317(1) of the Constitution of India for necessary investigation into the allegations leveled against Sri Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, Chairman, Karnataka Public Service Commission,” the order said.
The report added that according to the governor’s secretariat, complaints have been received demanding action against Sahukar for allegedly facilitating the illegal selection of his two daughters as industrial extension employees.
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“No conflicts of interest declared.”
The order said that Sahukar failed to recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest while his immediate dependents were participating in the KPSC recruitment process.
She further alleged that one of his daughters obtained income and caste certificate by declaring the annual income of the family as $40,000 and demanded OBC reservation and creamy layer exemption by suppressing facts even though her father is KPSC president.
According to the order, 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.
She also alleged that Sahukar and his daughter concealed this information to obtain undue benefit.
The Governor’s Secretariat said the returns of income and property filed by the President, along with other records, indicated misconduct, warranting action under Section 317(1) of the Constitution.
She said Sahukar has been placed under suspension until further orders of the President to ensure a fair, impartial and unaffected investigation while protecting the integrity and credibility of KPSC.
