BENGALURU: In a significant development that has triggered fresh controversy over the functioning of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on July 13 suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar with immediate effect following serious allegations of misuse of office, nepotism and irregularities in recruitment. The Governor has also recommended a formal inquiry into the allegations and referred the matter to the President of India for initiating proceedings under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.
According to the order issued by Raj Bhavan, Sahukar will remain under suspension until the completion of the inquiry or until further orders. During this period, the senior-most member of the KPSC will discharge the duties of the Chairman to ensure that the Commission’s functioning continues without interruption.
The Governor’s action comes in the wake of multiple complaints alleging abuse of official position, favouritism in appointments and manipulation of recruitment procedures. The allegations gained further prominence after an FIR was recently registered against Sahukar’s daughter, Suma S Sahukar, at Vidhana Soudha Police Station.
She has been accused of submitting allegedly forged income and caste certificates while applying for the post of Industrial Extension Officer, thereby availing reservation benefits to which she was allegedly not entitled. The alleged discrepancies surfaced during the scrutiny of official documents, leading to the registration of a criminal case.
Raj Bhavan, in its official statement, said the allegations against the KPSC Chairman were of a serious nature and warranted an independent and comprehensive investigation. It stated that apart from allegations of nepotism and abuse of authority, Sahukar was also accused of facilitating the use of false certificates to help his daughter secure benefits under the reservation quota during the recruitment process.
Considering the gravity of the charges, the Governor recommended that the matter be referred to the President of India under Article 317(1) of the Constitution, which deals with the removal of the Chairman or members of a State Public Service Commission. The provision empowers the President to refer such cases to the Supreme Court for inquiry before any decision on removal is taken.
Pending the outcome of the inquiry, the Governor exercised his constitutional authority to suspend Sahukar from the office of Chairman.
The suspension assumes significance as the KPSC is the constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates to various posts in the Karnataka government. Any controversy involving its top functionary has far-reaching implications for the credibility and transparency of the state’s recruitment process.
The allegations have also revived concerns over fairness in public recruitment, particularly at a time when the Commission has been under increased public scrutiny due to delays in examinations, recruitment disputes and allegations of procedural irregularities in recent years.
The registration of the FIR against Sahukar’s daughter had intensified political and public attention on the issue. Investigators are examining whether false income and caste certificates were intentionally used to obtain reservation benefits during the recruitment process and whether there was any misuse of influence.
Legal experts note that the Governor’s decision to invoke Article 317(1) reflects the constitutional seriousness attached to the allegations. Once the matter is referred to the President, the Supreme Court may be asked to conduct an inquiry into the charges against the Chairman before any final decision regarding his removal is taken.
The suspension is expected to have a significant impact on the functioning of the KPSC, although the appointment of the senior-most member as acting Chairman is intended to ensure continuity in ongoing recruitment and administrative activities.
With the inquiry process now set in motion, attention will be focused on the findings of the investigation and the Supreme Court’s role, if the Presidential reference is made. The outcome could have major implications not only for Shivashankarappa Sahukar but also for the credibility of Karnataka’s premier recruitment agency and the future of recruitment reforms in the state.
