On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court overturned the suspension of Shivashankarappa Sahukar, the chairperson of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The court ruled that the proper procedure was not followed in the suspension process initiated by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. This decision reinstates Sahukar to his position, highlighting procedural adherence in administrative actions.
The court clarified that its decision was limited to the legality of the suspension and did not adjudicate the allegations against Sahukar. It also directed that no decision be taken regarding the appointments of his daughters. Four FIRs were registered at Vidhana Soudha police station in connection with the allegations. They were sent to judicial custody.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj said the Governor had not acted on a recommendation or advice of the state Cabinet while issuing the July 13 suspension order. The probe follows allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers. Investigators are examining allegations that candidates were asked to pay ₹ 70 lakh- ₹ 80 lakh each, besides suspected answer-sheet manipulation and illegal selection of candidates allegedly linked to KPSC officials. The cases invoke Sections 336(2), 336(3) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to forgery, fraudulent making of documents and using forged documents as genuine. Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023, was also invoked, along with cheating provisions and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, relating to acceptance of an undue advantage by a public servant. Police arrested Arif Mohammed Mulla, 45, of Jamakhandi, and Sikandar Chaudhary, 46, a headmaster in Vijayapura district, for allegedly acting as middlemen.
