Karnataka HC Quashes KPSC Chairperson Suspension; Governor's Independent Action Invalid Under Article 317(1)

Karnataka HC to Hear Governor's Appeal on Suspension of KPSC Chairperson: Article 317(2) Powers in Question

The Karnataka High Court is examining a constitutional dispute: Can the Governor suspend a KPSC chairperson without the Cabinet's advice? A single judge said no, but the Governor's appeal argues that subsequent Cabinet approval can validate the action under the doctrine of ratification. This case tests the limits of Article 317(2) and the Governor's discretionary powers.

Governor Suspends KPSC Chairman Under Article 317(2) for Second Time Amid Recruitment Scam

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar for the second time, this time with Cabinet approval, under Article 317(2) of the Constitution. The suspension follows a High Court order quashing the Governor's earlier unilateral suspension, and comes amid ED raids related to bribery in veterinary officer recruitments. This case highlights the constitutional balance between Governor's powers and Cabinet aid and advice.

KPSC Scam: Chairman Sahukar’s 7-Year Tenure, Irregular Appointments & Political Shield Exposed

This investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) reveals how Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, appointed in 2019 despite red flags, ran the commission for seven years with alleged irregularities including leaked papers, patronage appointments, and political shielding by both BJP and Congress governments. The case exposes systemic weaknesses in PSC appointments and the lack of accountability for constitutional body heads.

Karnataka Parks & BMLTA Amendments Shield Tunnel Road Project; 5% Park Land Use Allowed

The Karnataka government has passed two controversial bills amending the Parks (Preservation) Act and the BMLTA Act, which critics allege are designed to shield the Chief Minister's pet Tunnel Road project from three pending PILs in court. The amendments allow the state to use 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and grant retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026, potentially bypassing legal scrutiny.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Housing Board Land Acquisition in Bannerghatta ESZ, Upholds Elephant Corridor Protection

The Karnataka High Court quashed land acquisition for a housing project in the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone, ruling that elephant corridors are essential habitat, not mere passages, and cannot be displaced for development. This judgment reinforces the legal protection of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones in land acquisition cases, a crucial topic for environment and governance.

President Returns West Bengal Anti-Goonda Bill 2026 Over NDPS Overlap: Article 200 & 201 Explained

President Murmu has returned the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 (anti-Goonda Bill) for reconsideration because its provisions overlap with the central PITNDPS Act, 1988. The Bill permits preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial. This event underscores the constitutional process under Articles 200, 201, and 22, and raises important issues of federalism for UPSC Mains.

President Murmu Assents to Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed Keralam via Article 3

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, renaming the state as Keralam. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3, following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This is a key example of the constitutional process for state name changes.

MHA Seeks Input on Composition of Proposed Ladakh UT-Level Body Under Article 371(K)

The Centre is proposing a unique governance model for Ladakh under Article 371(K), avoiding statehood or full legislature. This has implications for federalism, constitutional amendments, and special provisions for regions. MHA's questionnaire seeks specifics on the new body's composition and powers, indicating progress in negotiations.