The Karnataka High Court has mandated the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into alleged irregularities surrounding the recruitment of veterinary doctors and other positions by the Karnataka State Public Commission (KPSC). This directive was issued in the case of Raj Mohammed v. State of Karnataka on Monday, underscoring the need for a swift and thorough investigation.
Presided over by Justice M Nagaprasanna, the court decided against transferring the investigation from the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court expressed concerns that previous investigations by the CBI have been protracted, stressing the urgency to uphold constitutional principles of merit and equality. Justice Nagaprasanna highlighted the potential consequences of delay, noting, “Every passing month may leave hundreds of aspirants suspended between hope and uncertainty; age limits may overtake some, other opportunities may disappear for others, and an entire recruitment may remain frozen in litigation. Justice to job aspirants cannot be rendered, after their opportunity itself has withered away.”
The case at hand involved three criminal petitions and two writ petitions, with petitioners including a veterinary doctor and a member of the legislative assembly (MLA). These petitioners sought a CBI inquiry into the KPSC recruitment process, citing alleged improprieties, such as the KPSC Chairman’s daughters securing jobs under a reserved category while he was involved in the selection.
Further complicating the matter, successful KPSC candidates who were listed in the final selection faced criminal charges initiated by unsuccessful applicants. These petitioners approached the High Court seeking to nullify the criminal complaints and validate the final selection list. The court observed that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) related to this matter and mandated collaboration between the SIT and the ED.
The SIT, led by Director General of Police Alok Kumar IPS, includes Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory Divya Gopinath IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anup Shetty, Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouksay IPS, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Shama Mishra IPS. The court directed the CID and local police to transfer all evidence to the SIT within a week, halting their investigations immediately. It also instructed full cooperation from all relevant departments, agencies, and officials, including providing technical assistance or personnel to the SIT.
The SIT is tasked with submitting its final report to the court within 100 days of commencing its investigation, along with progress reports every 30 days. The High Court plans to address the criminal petitions to quash charges post-submission of the SIT’s final findings, with the next hearing scheduled for January 5, 2027.
Petitioners were represented by Advocates Venkatesh Dalwai, Girish Bharadwaj, Ajit PB, and Rajath, while State representation included Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesha and Advocate P Prasanna Kumar for the CBI. Advocate Prithveesh MK appeared for the impleading applicants.
