Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Governor has recommended to the President of India that the allegations against Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankrappa S.Sahukar be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for an inquiry into alleged misconduct linked to the selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers.
According to a press release issued by the Governor’s Secretariat on Monday,complaints alleged that Sahukar facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters to the posts in an unlawful manner.
The Governor’s Secretariat said the Chairman failed to recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest while his direct dependants participated in the KPSC recruitment process.
The release further alleged that one of Sahukar’s daughters obtained an income and caste certificate declaring the family’s annual income as Rs.40,000 and claimed OBC reservation and creamy layer exemption despite the family’s income allegedly exceeding the prescribed limit.
It also stated that,under a Karnataka government order dated March 30,2002,children of the Chairman of a Public Service Commission are not eligible to claim reservation under the backward classes quota.
The Governor’s Secretariat said the alleged suppression of material facts,supported by the Chairman’s income and property returns and other records, amounted to “misbehaviour”warranting action under the Constitution.
Pending the outcome of the proceedings,the Governor has placed Sahukar under suspension to ensure a fair, impartial and uninfluenced inquiry and to protect the integrity and credibility of the KPSC.
The Governor has also directed the senior-most member of the Commission to function as the Acting Chairman until further orders from the President of India.
The announcement was made in a press release issued by Special Secretary to the Governor R.Prabhushankar.
