Kerala PSC explained: why it’s trending

Published 26 October 2026 at 1:00 pm · 10 sources · 200+ searches today

Kerala PSC is trending because former Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar recommended removing chairman M.R. Baiju and all 15 commission members over alleged examination and recruitment irregularities. The move has triggered a political row, while the Crime Branch probe into PSC-related appointments is still ongoing as of 26 October 2026.

Key facts

15 October 2026: Arlekar reportedly sent the removal recommendation
The request names PSC chairman M.R. Baiju and all 15 members
Article 317 gives removal power to the President, not the governor
Crime Branch probe began with a PSC exam for State Planning Board chief
Reports say cases are being prepared for 3 additional recruitments

What happened

Former Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar recommended that President Droupadi Murmu remove Kerala Public Service Commission chairman M.R. Baiju and all 15 commission members. The recommendation was linked to alleged examination and recruitment irregularities.

The move became public after reports said the recommendation was sent on 15 October 2026, about a week before Arlekar left Kerala. He was relieved as governor on 23 October 2026 after being transferred to Tamil Nadu.

Why Kerala PSC is in the news

The issue began with a Crime Branch investigation into alleged irregularities in a PSC examination for appointment as chief of Kerala’s State Planning Board. Reports say the probe was then expanded to other PSC examinations and recruitments.

Because Kerala PSC handles government recruitment, any allegation involving its examinations draws wide public attention. This is why the matter is being watched closely in Kerala and across India as of 26 October 2026.

What the law says

Under Article 317, the President has the final authority to remove a Public Service Commission member. The governor cannot remove the commission directly.

The allegations must be referred to the Supreme Court for inquiry, and removal can happen only if the court’s findings support it. So far, the reported allegations remain under investigation and are not findings of guilt.

Political reaction and next steps

LDF leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan and T.P. Ramakrishnan, called the recommendation unconstitutional or politically motivated and said it could threaten PSC independence. Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan supported the move.

Reports also say the Crime Branch is preparing cases related to three additional recruitments. What happens next depends on the investigation, any Supreme Court inquiry, and the President’s decision under Article 317.

Frequently asked

Why is Kerala PSC trending in India today?

It is trending because a former Kerala governor recommended removing the PSC chairman and all 15 members over alleged irregularities. The recommendation has sparked a major political and legal debate.

Who was named in the Kerala PSC removal recommendation?

Reports name former governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, PSC chairman M.R. Baiju, and President Droupadi Murmu. The broader recommendation reportedly covered Baiju and all 15 commission members.

What is the Kerala PSC case about?

The trigger is a Crime Branch probe into alleged irregularities in a PSC exam for appointing the chief of Kerala’s State Planning Board. The investigation was later expanded to other PSC exams and recruitments.

Can a governor remove a PSC chairman in India?

No. Under Article 317, the President has the final removal authority, not the governor. The matter must go through a Supreme Court inquiry before removal can follow.

Sources

Researched automatically from live news and written by Simpledot's AI; facts are limited to what the sources above report as of the published time. Spot an error? Tell us.