Karnataka Governor suspends KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar over daughters' recruitment allegations

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar on 13 July 2026 after complaints alleged he had illegally facilitated the selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers. One daughter is accused of declaring the family’s annual income as Rs 40,000 to obtain an OBC reservation and creamy‑layer exemption, despite the family’s actual income exceeding the limit. The Governor’s order cited a 2002 government order that bars children of a PSC chairman from claiming backward‑class reservation benefits.

The Governor recommended that the President refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for inquiry. Until further orders, the senior‑most KPSC member will discharge the chairman’s duties. A High Court later issued notice to the Governor’s special secretaries and deferred the hearing of a petition challenging the suspension, noting the need to examine the legal validity of the governor’s order.