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2026-09-14 16:14 UTC → 2026-09-16 09:29 UTC ·
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A The legal and institutional dispute has emerged jurisdictional standoff between the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and the state Crime Branch has intensified regarding an the investigation into alleged irregularities in State Planning Board recruitment. Initially, sixteen recruitment irregularities. The PSC members, including Chairman Mr. Baiju, expressed their intention has moved to resist questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The commission argued challenge summons in court, asserting that the notices issued by the Crime Branch should be challenged to protect the its constitutional status and dignity of the institution. The SIT, led by SP Zakaria, is investigating whether recruitment flaws were administrative errors or a deliberate conspiracy to favor specific candidates. As the situation escalated, the PSC prepared a formal legal challenge against the investigation notices. While the commission members stated a willingness to provide statements, they insisted that warrants questioning must occur at the PSC its own headquarters rather than the Crime Branch headquarters. office. The PSC has expressed concerns Commission maintains that its members are being made ‘scapegoats’ for irregularities previously linked should not be required to two specific officials. The appear at the agency’s headquarters. Conversely, the Crime Branch maintains argues that investigating officers hold 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 location extent of interrogations and official involvement in alleged examination frauds. While the PSC has issued notices cited previous court rulings regarding legislative committees to four members, including three who served on an interview board with support its stance, the Chairman. Crime Branch maintains that criminal proceedings are distinct from legislative inquiries.