Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has quashed the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and directed authorities to reinstate him within seven days.
Court finds procedural lapse
Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that the suspension order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was not legally sustainable because it was passed without the constitutionally required aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The court said the Governor was required to act in accordance with the Cabinet’s decision.
The court consequently set aside the suspension and said Sahukar would be entitled to resume his duties and receive the financial benefits arising from the order being quashed.
However, the court directed that Sahukar should not take any decision concerning the appointments of his daughters.
Reinstatement comes amid KPSC probe
The court’s order comes amid allegations of irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process. The Enforcement Directorate recently conducted searches at 21 locations across Karnataka and Ahmedabad in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers.
The searches reportedly covered the KPSC office, premises linked to Sahukar and other individuals, selected candidates and a private company involved in digital evaluation of examination papers.
The High Court clarified that quashing the suspension did not prevent the competent constitutional authorities from proceeding afresh, provided the required constitutional procedure and law were followed.
KPSC chairman gets major relief
Sahukar had challenged the suspension before the High Court, questioning the legal basis of the Governor’s action. The ruling now provides him significant relief and clears the way for his return to the KPSC chairperson’s post.
The court’s decision, however, does not determine the merits of the allegations surrounding the recruitment process, which remain subject to investigation.