1 day ago
Crime Branch, Kerala PSC Clash Over Examination Irregularities Probe
The Kerala Public Service Commission is involved in a disagreement with the Crime Branch.
The Crime Branch is investigating problems in a Planning Board recruitment examination.
Investigators want to question PSC members at the Crime Branch headquarters.
The PSC says its members should not have to go there.
Instead, it says investigators should come to the PSC headquarters.
The Crime Branch says the PSC’s constitutional status does not prevent criminal questioning.
The PSC points to its constitutional position and earlier legal protection for its secretary.
Investigators have found serious problems in how the examination was evaluated.
If the two sides cannot agree, the dispute could go to court.
The Crime Branch plans to ask Kerala Public Service Commission members to appear at its headquarters for questioning.
The PSC has said its members will not visit the Crime Branch office but will cooperate at its headquarters.
Investigators say the PSC’s constitutional status does not exempt its members from questioning in a criminal investigation.
The probe concerns alleged irregularities in a Planning Board recruitment examination, though no accused has been named.
The Crime Branch has identified evaluation lapses and sought action against responsible officials and a review of two appointments.
- Who
- The Kerala Crime Branch and Kerala Public Service Commission members, including Chairman M.R. Baiju, are involved.
- What
- The Crime Branch is seeking to question PSC members in a case involving alleged Planning Board examination irregularities.
- Where
- The proposed questioning would take place at Crime Branch headquarters, while the PSC has offered its own headquarters as an alternative.
- When
- The dispute is unfolding after the Crime Branch registered a case and the PSC refused to appear at its headquarters.
- Why
- The Crime Branch says it must examine PSC members’ roles in the examination and selection process; the PSC cites its constitutional status and protocol.
Crime Branch Position
Kerala PSC Position
Location of questioning
Crime Branch Position
PSC members should appear at Crime Branch headquarters to provide statements.
Kerala PSC Position
PSC members should not appear at the Crime Branch office; investigators should come to PSC headquarters.
Effect of constitutional status
Crime Branch Position
The PSC’s constitutional status does not provide special protection from questioning in a criminal investigation.
Kerala PSC Position
The Commission relies on its constitutional status and protocol to resist the summons.
Legal precedent
Crime Branch Position
Proceedings before a Legislative Assembly committee are different from a criminal investigation, so the earlier High Court ruling is not a bar.
Kerala PSC Position
The PSC has cited an earlier High Court ruling that protected its secretary from appearing before an Assembly committee.
Key facts
- Investigation agency
- Crime Branch, through a Special Investigation Team headed by IG Ajitha Beegam
- Institution involved
- Kerala Public Service Commission
- Case subject
- Alleged irregularities in a Planning Board recruitment examination
- Accused status
- No one has been named as an accused so far
- PSC position
- Members will not appear at the Crime Branch office but will cooperate at PSC headquarters
- Investigators’ findings
- Serious lapses were identified in the evaluation process
- Requested action
- Action against responsible officials and review of two related appointments
Sources
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