Recommendation for removal: ‘Governor must act in accordance with Constitution'; PSC chairman to seek legal advice

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PSC chairman Dr M R Baiju is seeking legal advice on former Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s recommendation to remove him from office. His move points that the Governor must act in accordance with the Constitution.

Meantime, the crime branch is all set to register three more cases in connection with alleged irregularities in PSC examinations. The new act follows preliminary findings of irregularities in the conduct of the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (AMVI), Village Oil Inspector, and Fisheries Extension Officer examinations.

The crime branch is likely to register three additional FIRs tomorrow. So far, only one case had been registered in connection with irregularities in the planning board examination. Two more officials--additional secretary Hari R and deputy secretary Satheesh P were named as accused in the case today.

Against the backdrop of these irregularities, former Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar had recommended to the President that PSC Chairman Dr M R Baiju be removed from office just a week before the Governor was due to step down. Based on serious findings and complaints, the Governor recommended the removal of both the PSC Chairman and all commission members.

Although the Governor has the authority to appoint the chairman and members of the PSC, a constitutional body, the President alone has the full authority to remove them from office. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is expected to seek the government's direction on the Governor's recommendation. The government's decision will be crucial in it.

An internal vigilance inquiry by the PSC itself had detected irregularities in the planning board recruitment scam. A crime branch investigation into the incident is also underway. Meanwhile, complaints alleging corruption in more than 12 other posts had been submitted directly to Lok Bhavan. The Governor's unusual move comes as the crime branch prepares to expand its investigation into these complaints and examine further alleged irregularities.