KPSC Chairperson Suspended Over Nepotism Row: Governor Recommends Supreme Court Probe

BENGALURU — In an unprecedented move aimed at preserving the integrity of the state's recruitment apparatus, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended the Chairperson of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, on July 13.

The suspension comes amid severe allegations of misconduct and nepotism. Sahukar is accused of leveraging his position to facilitate the illegal recruitment of his two daughters into state government roles while deliberately suppressing a major conflict of interest.

The Allegations of Misconduct

The Governor’s Secretariat released a detailed statement outlining the serious charges of misbehavior against Sahukar and his family members, which prompted the swift executive action.

The primary allegations include:

• Undisclosed Conflict of Interest: Sahukar allegedly failed to recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest while his direct dependents actively participated in the KPSC recruitment process overseen by the commission he headed.

• Fabricated Income Claims: One of his daughters, Suma S. Sahukar, reportedly obtained an Income and Asset Certificate falsely declaring her family’s annual income as a mere ₹40,000.

• Illegal Quota Usage: Utilizing this fabricated income certificate, Suma claimed a 3B category (OBC) reservation along with a creamy layer exemption to secure a Junior Engineer (Civil) post. Investigators noted that Sahukar draws a constitutional salary of ₹2.25 lakh per month, placing the family well into the "creamy layer" (above the ₹8 lakh annual income threshold).

• Violation of Government Orders: A specific Karnataka government order dated March 30, 2002, strictly prohibits the children of a Public Service Commission Chairperson from claiming backward classes quota reservations.

• Second Daughter's Recruitment: The controversy extends to Sahukar's other daughter, Anuradha Sahukar, who was also selected under the general merit category for the Hyderabad-Karnataka cadre during the same period.

Official Actions Taken and Next Steps

The unfolding scandal has triggered a cascade of administrative, legal, and police actions across multiple government branches.

Background and Reform Efforts

Sahukar’s tenure has been abruptly halted years before his scheduled retirement. He was initially appointed as a KPSC member in September 2019 and was elevated to the role of Chairperson in April 2021, with his term originally slated to end in 2027.

This latest incident adds to a troubled two-decade history for the KPSC, which has frequently faced allegations of corruption, nepotism, and recruitment scams. In response to the growing public outcry over compromised recruitment processes, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly has recently tasked an 11-member committee, headed by R.V. Deshpande, with recommending comprehensive measures to overhaul the KPSC and prevent future irregularities.

As the state awaits a potential Supreme Court inquiry, the suspension of the KPSC chief marks a critical juncture in Karnataka's push for administrative transparency and reform.