Kerala PSC and Crime Branch investigation dispute

The legal and jurisdictional standoff between the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and the state Crime Branch has intensified regarding the investigation into State Planning Board recruitment irregularities.

The PSC has moved to challenge summons in court, asserting that its constitutional status warrants questioning at its own headquarters rather than the Crime Branch office. The Commission maintains that its members should not be required to appear at the agency’s headquarters. Conversely, the Crime Branch argues that the location of questioning falls under the jurisdiction of the investigating officer and that constitutional status does not grant immunity from criminal investigations.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has intervened in the dispute, stating that the PSC chairman holds ‘no special privilege’ and warning that failure to cooperate could result in legal action. The investigation, now led by a Special Investigation Team under IG Ajitha Beegam, seeks to determine the extent of official involvement in alleged examination frauds. While the PSC has cited previous court rulings regarding legislative committees to support its stance, the Crime Branch maintains that criminal proceedings are distinct from legislative inquiries.