Karnataka Governor suspends KPSC chief Shivashankarappa Sahukar over daughter recruitment controversy, seeks SC probe. Today’s news

Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar over allegations that he facilitated the illegal appointment of his two daughters as industrial extension officers, The Times of India reported.

The Governor also recommended to the President of India that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution to investigate the allegations. Pending the outcome of the proceedings, Gehlot ordered the senior KPSC member to act as chairman, saying the suspension was necessary to ensure a fair, impartial and unbiased probe.

Governor cites conflict of interest and violation of reservations

According to TOIThe governor’s secretariat said it had received complaints alleging that Sahukar had facilitated the illegal selection of his daughters during the recruitment process conducted by the commission he headed. The order alleged that Sahukar had neither recused himself from the selection process nor formally declared a conflict of interest despite his daughters running.

The Secretariat further alleged that one of Sahukar’s daughters secured her income and caste certificate by declaring the family’s annual income as ₹40,000 and claimed OBC reservation and exemption from the creamy layer by suppressing the fact that her father served as KPSC chairman.

According to messagethe order of the Governor referred to and Karnataka Government Notification dated 30 March 2002 debarring the children of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission from availing the benefits of reservation under the State Backward Classes Quota. The order alleged that Sahukar and his daughter withheld the information to gain undue advantage during the recruitment process.

The Governor’s Secretariat also said that Sahukar’s income and property returns, along with other records examined during the preliminary inspection, prima facie indicated misconduct warranting action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.

Supreme Court inquiry recommended

According to TOIthe suspension order stated that the Governor had recommended to the President of India that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court for necessary inquiry into the charges against Sahukar.

The order further stated that Sahukar will remain suspended until further directions are issued by the President to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Karnataka Public Service Commission and that the investigation is conducted without outside influence.