Karnataka High Court quashes Governor's suspension of KPSC chief

The Karnataka High Court has set aside the suspension of Public Service Commission Chairperson Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, finding the Governor's action to be constitutionally invalid.

The court determined that the suspension order was legally flawed because the Governor had exercised executive authority without obtaining the aid and advice of the State Cabinet, a requirement mandated under constitutional provisions governing such decisions. This procedural violation rendered the suspension order void.

The judgment underscores the constitutional framework requiring governors to act on Cabinet advice in matters of administrative action affecting statutory office holders. The court's decision reinforces the principle that gubernatorial powers, while significant, remain constrained by constitutional safeguards and the requirement of ministerial counsel in government decisions.

With the suspension now quashed, Sahukar stands legally restored to his position as KPSC Chairperson. The ruling has implications for the exercise of gubernatorial powers across similar administrative actions and disciplinary matters involving constitutional office holders in the state.