Thiruvananthapuram, 06 July (H.S.):
The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to hand over the investigation into the controversial examination irregularities to its Internal Vigilance wing, reversing an earlier move that had triggered widespread criticism.
The PSC Chairman had initially assigned the inquiry to the Controller of Examinations, despite an earlier decision to have the Internal Vigilance wing investigate the matter. The move drew sharp criticism, with allegations that the appointment was made discreetly in an attempt to derail or dilute the investigation.
As controversy intensified over reports that the probe could be compromised, the Kerala government sought legal advice on whether the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau could intervene.
According to the legal opinion received by the government, the allegations fall within the ambit of the Prevention of Corruption Act, making a vigilance investigation legally permissible. The opinion also clarified that since the PSC functions under the State government's administrative framework, there is no legal obstacle to a vigilance probe.
However, the legal advice noted that while the PSC is a constitutional body and the government cannot initiate direct action against the Chairman or its members, there is nothing improper in conducting a vigilance inquiry into the allegations that have surfaced.
Following these developments, the PSC resolved to entrust the investigation to its Internal Vigilance wing, headed by SP Sini Dennis.
Earlier, the government had indicated that if the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau formally took over the case, a special investigation team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) would be constituted to probe the allegations.
Meanwhile, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government is closely examining the allegations relating to irregularities in the PSC. He asserted that the government would not allow the credibility of the Public Service Commission to be undermined and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Separately, a protest march organised by the Youth Congress to the PSC headquarters demanding the resignation of PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju turned violent on Monday.
Protesters attempted to lay siege to the Commission's office, prompting police intervention. Several Youth Congress workers were arrested and removed from the premises after they tried to breach police barricades. Police resorted to water cannons six times to disperse the demonstrators.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
