Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has officially suspended Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, the Chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The suspension follows serious allegations that Sahukar used his position to illegally secure appointments for his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers.
To maintain the KPSC’s credibility and ensure an uninfluenced investigation, the Governor has directed the Commission’s senior-most member to temporarily take over the chairman’s duties.
Key Allegations and Violations
- Conflict of Interest: Complaints reveal that Sahukar completely failed to recuse himself from the recruitment process or formally declare a conflict of interest while his daughters were candidates.
- Reservation Fraud: One of his daughters allegedly falsified information to claim Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation and creamy layer exemptions. She secured an income and caste certificate by declaring her family’s annual income as just ₹40,000, deliberately suppressing her father’s prominent status.
- Violation of State Rules: Under a Karnataka government order dating back to March 30, 2002, children of a Public Service Commission chairman are strictly barred from claiming reservation benefits under the state’s backward classes quota.
Constitutional Action
Governor Gehlot noted that Sahukar’s income and property returns provide prima facie evidence of misconduct. Consequently, the Governor has recommended that the President of India refer the matter to the Supreme Court for a formal inquiry under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.
The suspension will remain effective until further directives are issued by the President.
