Sham Bhat for KPSC: Forum pooh-poohs government proposal

The State government’s recommendation of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) Commissioner Sham Bhat’s name for Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman’s post  has drawn flack from Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM).

ACICM convener and Congress leader Lakshmana, speaking to reporters on Friday, clarified that he was commenting on the subject under the banner of ACICM.

He pooh-poohed the decision of the government in the light of seven guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court for nominating a person or official to the KPSC top post.
He urged the government to pick a suitable and unblemished candidate for the post to prevent legal hurdles.

Citing the example of former MLA of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) Harish Rai Dhanda, who was nominated to the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) in 2011, Lakshmana said it was challenged in Punjab High Court through  PIL. The court ruled in favour of the petitioner quashing the appointment of Dhanda. Though Dhanda moved the Supreme Court, the apex court (in 2013), upheld the decision of lower court and laid down seven guidelines for nominating heads of public service commissions (PSCs).

Lakshmana said the government may face embarrassment if it has not taken the SC guidelines into consideration in Dhanda’s case, before recommending the name of Sham Bhat.

Lakshmana said,the guidelines assume significance as Bhat is also riddled in controversy as he is facing allegations of favouring realtors in the denotification of lands for Arkavathy Layout in Bengaluru. Apart from Justice H Kempanna Commission, that was formed to look into Arkavathy irregularities, Bhat is facing Lokayukta probe in the same issue.

He has also written an open letter to the chief minister.
DH News Service