The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided against seeking sanction to prosecute the former chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission and nine members for alleged irregularities in the recruitment of gazetted officers in 2011.

Briefing presspersons on the Cabinet decisions, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the Cabinet had decided to close the matter on seeking prosecution of then chairman Gonal Bheemappa and nine other members.

In 2021, the Cabinet decided to regularise services of 48 officers recruited.

Charges against the former chairman and members were related to allegations of large-scale malpractices in recruitments in 2011, which caused widespread protests at that time.

The CID, which probed irregularities, is said to have provided evidence of procedural violations and possible manipulation in the selection process.

As KPSC members hold constitutional positions, any legal proceedings against them would require prior sanction from constitutional authorities, such as the Governor, and, in some cases, the President.

Mr. Patil said the Cabinet had decided against seeking prosecution since the former chairman and members had retired from service.

The Cabinet has decided to upgrade Sindhanur taluk hospital as the district hospital by increasing the number of beds from 100 to 200 at a cost of ₹28.75 crore. It was decided to upgrade the Malur town Municipal Council as City Municipal Council.

Similarly, a decision was taken to upgrade the Maddur town Municipal Council as City Municipal Council, Mr. Patil said.

Published - May 23, 2025 12:16 am IST