Keralam: Arlekar's Move To Oust PSC Chief Kicks Up Row, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Former Keralam Governor Rajendra Arlekar recommended to President Droupadi Murmu the removal of the state Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson M R Baiju and other members.
• This recommendation was made just before Arlekar's transfer to Tamil Nadu and amid an ongoing police inquiry into alleged recruitment irregularities at the PSC.
• Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan termed the move "illegal" and a violation of constitutional provisions, specifically Article 316 and Article 317.
• The BJP state president supported the Governor's recommendation, viewing it as a necessary step against alleged malpractices within the PSC.
• The recommendation is considered unprecedented in the state's history.

Detailed Insights:

• Governor Rajendra Arlekar sent his recommendation to the President about a week before he was relieved of his duties in Keralam on October 23.
• Article 316 of the Constitution governs the appointment and term of office for PSC members, who serve for six years or until a specified age.
• Article 317 outlines the procedure for removal, stating that the President can remove a PSC chairperson or member only after a Supreme Court inquiry confirms grounds of misbehavior.
• Keralam Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar criticized the Governor for making the recommendation without informing or consulting the state government.
• The Keralam PSC has been under investigation by the State Crime Branch for alleged irregularities in recruitments, including for a key post at the state Planning Board.
• An internal PSC inquiry in June 2026 reportedly found serious lapses in the evaluation process, potentially benefiting a CPI(M)-affiliated candidate.
• Organizations like the Akhil Bharatiya Vidvarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha had petitioned the Governor regarding these alleged irregularities.
• The Crime Branch probe has expanded to include irregularities in examinations for Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, Fisheries Officer, and Khadi Board Inspector posts.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Public Service Commission (PSC): A constitutional body responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to state civil services and advising the Governor on recruitment matters.
• Article 316: Deals with the appointment and term of office of members of a Public Service Commission, specifying a six-year term or until a certain age.
• Article 317: Prescribes the procedure for the removal and suspension of a member of a Public Service Commission, primarily through a Presidential order following a Supreme Court inquiry into misbehavior.
• Governor: The constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President, who acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in certain discretionary functions.