Published Nov 04, 2026 | 11:56 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2026 | 11:56 AM
Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday questioned the constitutional propriety of former Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar’s recommendation to the President seeking the removal of Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman M.R. Baiju and 15 members.
Speaking at a Cabinet briefing, Satheesan said the former Governor’s recommendation was not made in accordance with prescribed procedure.
Article 163 of the Constitution clearly stipulates that the Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. No consultation had taken place between the government and the former Governor on the matter, Satheesan said, adding that the “unilateral” intervention was questionable.
At the same time, the CM accused the CPI(M)-led Opposition of using the former Governor’s recommendation to create the impression that the government was targeting the PSC leadership, thereby attempting to shield the commission’s current board.
The investigation into alleged irregularities in PSC recruitment had brought to light serious findings, Satheesan said, declining to disclose details as the probe was still underway.
He alleged that various appointments had been secured through nepotism and political connections, damaging the credibility of the constitutional body.
The government would not spare anyone involved and would initiate legal proceedings against those found responsible, he warned.
Satheesan’s remarks came amid a political confrontation over Arlekar’s decision to recommend the removal of the PSC leadership.
A week before demitting office, the former Governor sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu on October 15, seeking action against Baiju and 15 members of the commission.
He reportedly took the decision independently, without a recommendation from the State Cabinet, after concluding that the commission’s functioning had compromised the dignity and credibility of the institution.
The recommendation was kept confidential until he demitted office on October 23.
The issue triggered a heated exchange between the ruling and Opposition benches in the Assembly when Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan tried to raise the constitutional issues surrounding the move.
However, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan disallowed the submission, citing Assembly rules that prohibit debates concerning the President or the Governor.
When Vijayan persisted, Satheesan intervened to warn that the government would be forced to respond if the Opposition continued pressing a topic already ruled out of order. The issue was not raised again on the floor for the remainder of the session.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
