CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The controversy over alleged recruitment irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has deepened. Former Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has recommended to President Droupadi Murmu that commission chairman Dr M.R. Baiju and its members be removed from office. According to media reports, the recommendation seeks the removal of a total of 16 people, including the chairman. Arlekar took this step before leaving the post of Kerala Governor on October 23, 2026.

Alleged irregularities in recruitment exam evaluation

The matter is linked to the evaluation of an examination held for appointment to the State Planning Board. During the inquiry, alleged lapses in the evaluation of answer sheets came to light. According to reports, answers to some questions were either not evaluated or were not examined by experts. The investigation was later widened to include possible irregularities in other PSC examinations.

Report sent after complaints

According to sources linked to Raj Bhavan, some organisations, including the Yuva Morcha and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), had lodged complaints about the commission’s functioning. Arlekar reportedly sent the report to the President after reviewing the commission’s internal vigilance report and information received from investigating agencies. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court had also questioned the slow pace of the investigation.

Final decision on removal rests with President

Article 317 of the Indian Constitution lays down the procedure for removing the chairman and members of a state public service commission. In cases of action on the basis of alleged misconduct, the President is required to have the matter investigated by the Supreme Court, and a further decision is taken on the basis of the court’s report. Therefore, the former governor’s recommendation is not, by itself, an order of removal.

Political row over recommendation

Political differences have also emerged in Kerala over the move. Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the constitutional validity of the recommendation, while BJP leaders have supported the action. For now, attention will remain on the next steps at the President’s level and the findings of the investigation.

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