KPSC chief suspended by Governor under Article 317(2)

Bengaluru, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar under Article 317(2) of the Constitution, following the Karnataka Cabinet’s recommendation after the High Court quashed an earlier suspension order.

The Governor’s Secretariat said on Tuesday that the fresh suspension was issued on the basis of the State Cabinet’s aid and advice dated August 21 and in accordance with the Karnataka High Court’s August 18 judgment. The suspension will remain in force until further orders from President Droupadi Murmu.

The next senior-most member of the KPSC has been directed to discharge the functions of chairman during the suspension period.

The development follows the High Court’s August 18 decision to quash the Governor’s July 10 suspension order. The court held that the Governor had acted without the constitutionally required aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and directed Sahukar’s reinstatement within seven days.

The court, however, clarified that it was not deciding the merits of the allegations against Sahukar or his daughters and said the competent constitutional authorities could proceed afresh in accordance with the Constitution and the law laid down in its judgment.

Sahukar is facing allegations concerning the recruitment of his two daughters for posts through the KPSC, including claims that his younger daughter, Suma Sahukar, submitted allegedly false income and caste documents to claim reservation benefits. The allegations also include alleged misuse of his position and conflict of interest. The allegations have not been adjudicated in the High Court judgment.

The controversy has also attracted scrutiny from investigative agencies, with the Enforcement Directorate recently conducting searches linked to the allegations.

The fresh suspension follows the State Cabinet’s formal recommendation and comes amid continuing legal and investigative proceedings concerning the KPSC chairman.