Karnataka KPSC Chairman Suspended After Daughter Allegedly Obtains Fake Income Certificate, Secures Industrial Extension Officer Post

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman, Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, was suspended by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on July 13, 2026 (Monday). According to PTI, Sahukar is accused of helping his two daughters secure selection as Industrial Extension Officers, while one of them allegedly obtained an income and caste certificate by declaring a lower annual family income.

The order said Sahukar failed to recuse himself or formally declare a conflict of interest while his direct dependents participated in the KPSC recruitment process. 

One Daughter Allegedly Got Income Certificate By Claiming Rs 40,000 Annual Family Income

The order also alleged that one of his daughters claimed reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and sought creamy layer exemption by allegedly not disclosing that her father was the KPSC Chairman. The daughter allegedly obtained an income and caste certificate by claiming to have an annual family income of Rs. 40,000. 

Any Chairman’s Children Barred From Claiming BC Category Reservation 

The children of a Chairman are barred from claiming reservation under the backward classes quota in Karnataka, the order cited a government order dated March 30, 2002. 

Government Rules Bar Chairman’s Children From Claiming BC Reservation

The Governor’s Secretariat said the Chairman’s income and property returns, along with other records, indicated prima facie misconduct, warranting action under Article 317(1) of the Constitution.

The Governor has ordered the senior-most member of the KPSC to discharge the functions of  the Chairman until further orders to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the matter, while protecting the integrity and credibility of the commission. He also recommended to the President that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 317(1) of the Constitution for an inquiry.

"The Hon'ble Governor has recommended to the President of India to make reference to the Supreme Court of India under Article 317(1) of the Constitution of India for necessary enquiry into the allegations made against Sri Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, Chairman, Karnataka Public Service Commission," the order said.