Action on PSC exam irregularities likely soon; Governor meets President

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted details of the FIR naming the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman and members as accused in examination and recruitment irregularities. He also requested further action on the recommendation for their removal submitted by former Governor R V Arlekar.

Soon after, Tamil Nadu Governor R V Arlekar also met the President. He explained the nepotism and irregularities in the PSC and the circumstances that led him to recommend the removal of its chairman and members. A delegation led by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also met the President, raising the same demand.

The President is likely to refer the Governor's recommendation to the Supreme Court through the Attorney General, seeking an inquiry against the chairman and members. The move is expected soon after Attorney General R Venkataramani returns from his visit to the United States.

Governor Mathur briefed the President on the FIR registered by the Crime Branch in connection with the Fisheries Extension Officer recruitment scam, naming the PSC chairman, members and officials as accused. He also informed the President that the PSC's Additional Secretary and a retired Deputy Secretary had been jailed in connection with the case.

Before meeting the President, Mathur had summoned the legal adviser to Lok Bhavan and sought details of the case.

Five-member Supreme Court bench to conduct inquiry

Under Article 317 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court will constitute a five-member bench to conduct a direct inquiry based on the President's reference. Notices will be issued to the chairman and members, and the court will call for relevant documents and the police report.

Once the Supreme Court begins its inquiry, the Governor will have the authority to suspend the chairman and members. However, their removal will require the Supreme Court to find them guilty and submit a report to the President.

Government may also recommend suspension

1. The state government may also recommend that the Governor suspend the chairman and members once the Supreme Court begins its inquiry. If the Governor orders suspension without the advice of the council of ministers, the PSC may approach the court, citing procedural lapses.

2. The court had earlier cancelled the suspension of the Karnataka PSC chairman on similar grounds. The government is also considering the possibility of political repercussions if action is taken based on the recommendation submitted by the Governor following a complaint by the Yuva Morcha.