Thiruvananthapuram, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : A confrontation is brewing between the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Crime Branch as PSC members are unlikely to comply with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry concerning alleged irregularities in the Kerala State Planning Board exam.
Chairman M.R. Baiju and 15 other current members have decided not to appear at the Crime Branch headquarters, even if they receive notices soon. Instead, the PSC plans to challenge the manner in which members are summoned once they receive formal notifications.
The PSC is expected to write to the Home Secretary, asserting their constitutional status and emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity of constitutional bodies. Additionally, the commission is seeking legal opinions on the validity of the notices from senior lawyers.
This situation could escalate into a significant legal confrontation between the constitutional body and the investigative agency. However, the Crime Branch maintains a different stance. Legal experts in government circles assert that the investigating officer has the authority to determine where to question witnesses or suspects, and notices can be issued under criminal procedures based on investigative needs.
They further noted that being a member of a constitutional body does not exempt one from criminal procedures. The SIT, led by SP Zakariya, has decided to proceed with questioning PSC members.
This development coincides with the SIT’s preparations to recommend the cancellation of two controversial appointments made by the Kerala State Planning Board. These appointments are under scrutiny as part of a broader investigation into alleged flaws in the examination and evaluation process.
Serious discrepancies were previously identified involving two PSC officials, one of whom has since retired. The state police chief has recommended departmental action against both individuals. The SIT is currently investigating whether these discrepancies were mere administrative failures or part of a deliberate scheme to benefit specific candidates.
The decision to question PSC members significantly broadens the scope of the investigation. Currently, there are 16 members in the PSC, compared to an approved strength of 21. All current members, including the chairman, were appointed during the previous Vijayan government.
The political backdrop may add another layer to this escalating dispute, as no formal accusations have yet been made in the exam case.
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