Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday (13th July) suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar for facilitating the illegal appointment of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers. The governor has also recommended to the President that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for an inquiry into the allegations against Sahukar.
In the suspension order, the Governor said that the suspension of Sahukar was required for ensuring “fair, impartial and uninfluenced investigation” and to protect the credibility of the Commission. The senior-most member of the KPSC has been directed to discharge the functions of the Commission’s chairman pending further orders.
According to the Governor’s Secretariat, complaints against Sahukar stated that he failed to recuse himself or disclose a conflict of interest while his two daughters participated in a KPSC recruitment process. The suspension order further stated that one of his daughters obtained an income and caste certificate by declaring the family’s annual income as ₹40,000. She also claimed reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category by suppressing material facts, despite her father serving as KPSC chairman.
The order noted that a Karnataka government order issued on March 30, 2002, prohibits children of the chairman of a Public Service Commission from availing reservation benefits under the State’s backward classes quota. The Governor’s Secretariat stated that Sahukar and his daughter concealed information to secure undue benefits. It further said the Sahukar’s income and property returns, along with other records, disclosed prima facie evidence of misconduct warranting action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution. The suspension order will remain in force until further orders from the President.
Sahukar challenges his suspension
Sahukar has moved the Karnataka High Court against his suspension by the Governor. He filed a petition before the High Court, which was heard by Justice Suraj Govindaraj on Tuesday. Senior counsel Arun Shyam, appearing for Sahukar, contended that the Governor’s action is not valid as the same is done before initiation of enquiry by the President of India to be held by the Supreme Court as contemplated under Article 317. The petition was adjourned for hearing on Wednesday.
