Governor’s recommendation to remove Kerala PSC chief bypassed state consultation

Former Kerala governor Rajendra Arlekar failed to seek the state government's input before proposing the dismissal of Public Service Commission chairman M.R. Baiju to President Droupadi Murmu after irregularities surfaced in recruitment exams. ## What Happened Arlekar made the suggestion ten days before his transfer to Tamil Nadu, marking the first instance in the state’s history that a governor has asked for the removal of the PSC head. ## Reaction Kerala chief minister V.D. Satheesan told reporters the move broke constitutional protocol, which requires the governor to discuss such matters with the state cabinet. He said the governor’s action cannot hide the alarming discrepancies uncovered in the exams. Satheesan added that the opposition LDF is attempting to protect the PSC chief and its board by highlighting the governor’s role, but he declined to comment further as the investigation continues. ## Context The Kerala PSC conducts civil service exams that feed the state bureaucracy. Any hint of misconduct can undermine public trust in the recruitment process, prompting police and the Crime Branch to probe the matter. ## Context The Crime Branch is examining the exam irregularities, has arrested a retired official who oversaw the 2023 test, and questioned Baiju for several hours last week.