Published Jul 13, 2026 | 5:02 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2026 | 5:02 PM
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.
Synopsis: The Governor has directed the Commission’s next senior-most member to act as Chairman in the interim. This marks the suspension and referral stage of the process , the Supreme Court inquiry itself has not yet been formally initiated, pending action from the President’s office.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar on Monday, 13 July, pending further orders from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, following allegations that he helped his two daughters secure illegal appointments as Industrial Extension Officers.
The Governor has also recommended that the President refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.
According to complaints received against him, Sahukar unlawfully facilitated his daughters’ selection to the posts, with one daughter allegedly obtaining an income and caste certificate by declaring the family’s annual income as just ₹40,000.
Under a March 2002 government order, children of a Public Service Commission chairman are barred from claiming Backward Classes reservation in Karnataka, a restriction the complaints allege was circumvented.
A Raj Bhavan statement said records, along with the Chairman’s own income and property returns, pointed toward him with some certainty, amounting to misbehaviour given the facts of the case.
To ensure a fair and impartial investigation while protecting the KPSC’s credibility, Sahukar has been suspended until further orders from the President.
The Governor has directed the Commission’s next senior-most member to act as Chairman in the interim. This marks the suspension and referral stage of the process , the Supreme Court inquiry itself has not yet been formally initiated, pending action from the President’s office.
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(With inputs from Keerthivas)
