Karnataka: Govt may challenge HC order on SIT probe into job scam

The state government is likely to challenge the High Court order directing a special investigation team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said the government would seek legal advice on the order, while Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday questioned the need for an SIT when the CID was already investigating the case.

“In my opinion, the order asking us to form an SIT when a CID inquiry is going on is not in the best interest of the investigation,” Kharge said. He said there had been no complaints of lapses in the CID probe and that much of the information available publicly had emerged from the investigation.


Congress MLA and legal advisor to the CM AS Ponnanna said the government was examining the “pros and cons” of the order, including whether there was any jurisdictional error in the High Court choosing the SIT.

“These issues have been discussed, and appropriate remedial measures will be taken,” Ponnanna said.

The High Court on September 21 ordered an SIT headed by DGP (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar to take over the investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities. Justice M Nagaprasanna issued the order amid allegations of a job-for-money scam in the recruitment process.

Shivakumar said the state police had been doing a good job and had collected evidence. He also pointed to a parallel investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.

The chief minister has also proposed examining whether the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) should be shut down amid allegations of irregularities in government recruitment.

“There are rampant irregularities within the KPSC. I am consulting experts on how to close it down,” Shivakumar said.