KPSC Exam Scam: HC Rejects Suspended Chairman’s Anticipatory Bail Plea

Bengaluru, Sept 7: The Karnataka High Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Sahukar S Shivashankarappa in connection with the alleged recruitment scam involving 400 Veterinary Officer posts.

Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, while hearing the plea, expressed grave concern over the erosion of public confidence in competitive examinations and said such irregularities must be brought to an end.

“Public is losing faith in the system of examination. We have seen so many meritorious students commit suicide in that NEET because of NEET paper leaks. So many. What mistake have they made?” the judge observed.

“These things should be put to an end. Then and there, they (accused) should be arrested,” he further said.

The case pertains to allegations of manipulation in the KPSC recruitment examination, including advance access to question papers, tampering with OMR sheets and manipulation of marks to favour selected candidates.

According to the prosecution, middlemen allegedly approached candidates promising appointments in return for amounts ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh. The examination was conducted to fill 400 Veterinary Officer posts.

The investigation has also alleged that relatives of KPSC officials secured unusually high marks and that some candidates were provided access to examination material before the test.

Senior advocate M Aruna Shyam, appearing for Shivashankarappa, sought anticipatory bail citing his age, health condition following recent surgery and the absence of previous criminal antecedents. She also argued that the allegations had been exaggerated by the media.

Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha opposed the plea, contending that the KPSC Chairman had “taken the entire system for a ride” and that custodial interrogation was necessary for an effective investigation.

A trial court had earlier rejected Shivashankarappa’s anticipatory bail plea on August 11, citing the seriousness of the allegations, the need for custodial interrogation and the possibility of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.

The High Court, after considering the submissions from both sides, declined to grant pre-arrest bail.

Shivashankarappa faces charges under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Karnataka Public Examinations (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023.

The development comes amid continuing controversy over Shivashankarappa’s tenure as KPSC Chairman. He was suspended by the Governor in July, but the High Court later quashed the suspension on constitutional grounds. He was subsequently suspended again following a recommendation by the State Cabinet.

The case has emerged as a major test of the integrity of Karnataka’s public recruitment system, with the High Court’s observations highlighting concerns over merit, examination fairness and public confidence in government recruitment.