The Karnataka High Court has stayed a resolution passed by members of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) seeking the resignation of the commission's chairperson over allegations of nepotism. The interim order was issued on July 10, 2026, after the chairperson challenged the validity of the resolution.
Petitioner Argues Lack of Jurisdiction
The petitioner, KPSC Chairperson, contended that the members who passed the resolution on June 19, 2026, lacked the jurisdiction to demand a resignation. According to the petition, the resolution was procedurally invalid as the members exceeded their authority under the KPSC Act. The chairperson sought the court's intervention to quash the resolution and prevent any further action based on it.
Allegations of Nepotism
The resolution was moved by a section of KPSC members who accused the chairperson of nepotism in appointments. Specific details of the allegations were not disclosed in the court order, but the members claimed that the chairperson had favored relatives in recruitment processes. The chairperson denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Court's Interim Order
Justice A. K. Mohan, presiding over the case, noted that the resolution appeared to be beyond the scope of the KPSC members' powers. The court stayed the resolution until further orders and issued notices to the state government and the KPSC members who supported the resolution. The next hearing is scheduled for July 24, 2026.
Background of the Dispute
The Karnataka Public Service Commission is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants in the state. Internal disputes have occasionally arisen, but this is the first time a resolution seeking the chairperson's resignation has been passed. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent on the limits of members' authority within such commissions.
The state government has not yet filed a response to the court's notice. Meanwhile, the stay order provides temporary relief to the chairperson, who continues to hold office pending the final outcome of the case.
