Supreme Court to Hear Karnataka Government’s Plea Against SIT Probe into KPSC Veterinary Recruitment Scam

Bengaluru, Oct 12 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday the Karnataka government's appeal challenging a Karnataka High Court order directing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged large-scale irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Veterinary Officer recruitment scam.

A Bench comprising Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Vijay Bishnoi is set to consider the state's challenge to the order passed by the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, which directed the constitution of an SIT headed by senior police officer Alok Kumar to conduct a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities.

The hearing assumes significance as the Supreme Court's decision could determine whether the SIT constituted under the High Court's directions will continue with its existing composition or undergo changes.

The Karnataka government has argued that the selection and appointment of officers to an investigative team fall within its administrative discretion. It has also submitted a list of officers for consideration in connection with the matter.

The High Court had directed the formation of the SIT amid concerns over the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities and the need for a comprehensive investigation into the recruitment process.

The case has also drawn the attention of multiple investigative agencies, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing various aspects of the alleged scam, including suspected financial transactions and possible manipulation in the selection process.

The allegations have raised concerns over the integrity of the recruitment process and the interests of candidates who appeared for the examination on merit. Investigators have been examining claims of illegal payments and other irregularities, which remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

The Supreme Court's hearing is expected to address the legality of the High Court's directions and the appropriate mechanism for carrying the investigation forward.

The outcome could have significant implications for the further probe, particularly regarding the composition of the SIT and the officers entrusted with the investigation.

The report reflects the position ahead of the scheduled hearing. No judicial outcome has been asserted.