Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Stays Karnataka High Court’s SIT Order in KPSC Recruitment Fraud Cases
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Karnataka High Court’s September 21 order directing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scandals. The stay follows a petition by the Karnataka state government arguing that the ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry is nearing completion and that there is no evidence of bias or inefficiency warranting a de novo investigation.
Background & Context
The controversies stem from two recruitment processes. In early January 2026, the Veterinary Officers Recruitment Examination for 400 posts was allegedly compromised after former KPSC Controller of Examinations Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and middleman Basavaraj Kannale were accused of leaking exam papers. The CID and Enforcement Directorate allege that at least 11 candidates paid a total of INR1.52 crore for the leaked material, with INR52 lakh used to purchase jewellery for a friend of Gangwar.
A second case involves the selection of the daughter of suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar as an industrial extension officer on June 10 2024, prompting the governor to suspend the chairman and raising allegations of a fabricated income certificate for the OBC-reserved post.
Timeline
- January 8-9 2026 – Veterinary exam held; alleged paper leak.
- September 21 2026 – Karnataka High Court orders formation of an SIT.
- October 1 2026 – BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accuses Rahul Gandhi of double standards.
- October 1 2026 – Supreme Court stays the High Court’s SIT order.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 1,400 candidates sat for the veterinary exam; 329 were selected.
- At least 11 candidates are alleged to have paid INR1.52 crore for leaked papers.
- Kannale reportedly collected INR20-40 lakh from around 20 students.
- INR52 lakh of the bribe money is said to have funded a INR22-lakh diamond necklace.
- In the industrial extension officer recruitment, the daughter of the suspended chairman was selected among 50 posts.
Official Statements & Responses
The Karnataka government contended that the CID investigation is “nearing completion” and that there are “no specific allegations” against the agency that would justify replacing it with an SIT. It objected to the High Court’s selection of police officers for the SIT without consulting the state, arguing that a fresh probe would “invalidate critical evidence” such as seized OMR sheets, digital devices, and frozen bank accounts.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing the state, told the Supreme Court bench that the High Court had “no ground” for appointing an SIT and that “there are no adverse findings” against the CID. The court’s order noted that a fresh investigation would “wipe off” the work already done and could jeopardize ongoing custody and bail proceedings.
Criticism & Opposition
BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra used the controversy to criticize Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning why the opposition remains silent on alleged corruption in Karnataka while demanding investigations elsewhere.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the maximum amount of bribe money demanded in the veterinary exam case, citing figures of INR1.52 crore total, INR20-40 lakh per candidate, and “up to Rs 80 lakh” demanded by middlemen. The Supreme Court’s order does not specify a precise monetary threshold, leaving the exact scale of the alleged fraud unresolved.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court directed the Karnataka government to submit, in sealed cover, any objections to the SIT members and to propose alternative names if necessary. The state must also comply with the court’s directive to protect eight potential witnesses identified in the related Supreme Court order of April 29 2026.