Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar has been suspended after allegations that he helped his two daughters secure government posts illegally. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot took the step to ensure an unbiased investigation.
मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)
- KPSC Chairman suspended for facilitating illegal selection of his daughters.
- Failure to disclose conflict of interest deemed a serious breach.
- Investigation may be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 371(1).
Bengaluru, July 13, 2026 – Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot suspended Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, the Chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), following accusations that he enabled his two daughters to be unlawfully selected for government posts. The suspension was ordered after the Governor’s office concluded that the Chairman neither recused himself nor formally declared a conflict of interest while his dependents were participating in the KPSC selection process.
Background and Breach of Rules
KPSC is the apex body responsible for recruiting candidates for various state government positions. A 2002 government order expressly bars the children of the KPSC Chairman from claiming reservations under the backward‑class quota. Nevertheless, Sahukar’s daughters submitted income certificates showing an annual family income of just ₹40,000 to claim OBC reservation and creamy‑layer exemption, despite actual earnings well above the prescribed limit.
Responses from the Governor and Chief Minister
Governor Gehlot stated, “The Chairman failed to recuse himself and deliberately suppressed vital information to secure undue benefit for his daughters.” He recommended that the matter be referred to the President of India for a Supreme Court reference under Article 371(1) of the Constitution. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar affirmed that the suspension is within the Governor’s discretion and instructed that the next senior member of the commission assume the chairmanship on an interim basis.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Impact
An FIR has already been lodged against Sahukar’s daughter, Suma S. Sahukar, for allegedly falsifying documents while applying for a Junior Engineer post in the Department of Commerce and Industries. If the investigation confirms manipulation, it could lead to the Chairman’s removal and trigger a broader review of recruitment integrity across Karnataka’s public services.
Looking Ahead
The episode is likely to spark a statewide debate on transparency, conflict‑of‑interest disclosures, and the enforcement of reservation norms. Experts warn that without a swift, impartial inquiry, public confidence in the commission could erode, prompting calls for systemic reforms to safeguard merit‑based selection.
