‘Stole genuine candidate’s chance’: Karnataka High Court to ex-KPSC chief’s daughter

The judge added: “It is not whether the final selection list or provisional selection list was published. The issue is that you are participating under category 3B, giving your father/family income as Rs 40,000 per annum when it is Rs 30 lakh per annum. Is it not an eyewash? Is it not a daily light fraud, prima facie?”

Suma Sahukar allegedly applied for the post of Junior Engineer (Civil) in the Department of Industries and Commerce through the KPSC recruitment process in March 2024 under the 3B reservation category. She has been accused of submitting an income and asset certificate declaring her family’s annual income as Rs 40,000 to claim eligibility under the category.

During a scrutiny of her documents, the KPSC allegedly found that her father had been serving as a member of the Commission since September 3, 2019, drawing a basic monthly salary of about Rs 2.05 lakh. He was appointed KPSC chairman on April 5, 2021, with a basic monthly salary of around Rs 2.25 lakh, in addition to other allowances.

‘This is an open-and-shut case’

Appearing for Suma Sahukar, senior Advocate Arun Shyam argued that an FIR had been registered against her without any inquiry or verification of the certificate she submitted under Rule 7A of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointment, etc) Rules, 1992.

To which, the bench asked what kind of inquiry they wanted. “Was your name not in the selected candidates list? You are the daughter of the KPSC chairman. You participate in the selection process and declare your annual income as Rs 40,000. KPSC chairman’s salary is Rs 2,17,000 per month. How did you give this declaration and come under Category 3B? Category 3B is to be applied when the family income is below Rs 8 lakh. Inquiry should be conducted only if there is any ambiguity,” the bench said.

Shyam said Suma had given an explanation to KPSC, saying that she thought she had to declare her annual income.

The judge responded, “If you do not know anything about whose income and what, then how do you want to enter government service? This is an open-and-shut case. There is nothing to inquire in this case.”

Petition withdrawn

Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha said Suma cannot claim protection as she is not from a marginalised community. The lawyer said he would like to withdraw the petition. The court allowed it.

Last Friday, a sessions court in Bengaluru granted Suma anticipatory bail.

Shivashankarappa S Sahukar has also moved the Karnataka High Court against the suspension order passed against him.