Kerala PSC chief Baiju summoned by SIT over Planning Board recruitment fraud
Synopsis
Kerala PSC Chairman Dr M.R. Baiju has been summoned before an SIT for the second time in a recruitment fraud probe — but this time with a High Court warning about 'bhai-bhai' cosiness, a Governor calling for his removal, and 180 complaints already on record. The case is rapidly becoming a test of institutional accountability in Kerala's public sector hiring machinery.
Key Takeaways
Kerala PSC Chairman Dr M.R.
Baiju has been served a Crime Branch notice to appear before the SIT on 26 October 2026 .
The case involves alleged irregularities in the selection for the chief of the Planning Board's Industry and Infrastructure Division ; the original appointee was re-ranked fifth after a re-evaluation and the appointment was subsequently cancelled.
The Kerala High Court recently criticised the slow pace of the probe and warned against 'bhai-bhai' ties between the government and the PSC.
Satheesan told the Assembly that 180 complaints of PSC irregularities have been received; the Crime Branch is probing three and the internal vigilance wing is probing five .
Outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar has reportedly recommended the removal of Baiju and dissolution of the commission.
All 16 current PSC members were appointed during former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's tenure; Vijayan has defended the body, alleging a 'conspiracy' to damage its credibility.
Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Dr M.R. Baiju has been served a Crime Branch notice directing him to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning on Wednesday, 26 October 2026, in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of a senior official to the State Planning Board. This marks the second time the PSC leadership has been summoned in the case, after an earlier attempt was challenged in court.
Background to the Case
The controversy centres on alleged manipulation in the selection process for the chief of the Planning Board's Industry and Infrastructure Division. Following a complaint, a re-evaluation of the selection was conducted. The originally appointed candidate was subsequently ranked fifth, while the complainant rose to first place. The appointment was ultimately cancelled following judicial intervention.
High Court's Sharp Rebuke
The fresh summons follows a pointed intervention by the Kerala High Court, which criticised the sluggish pace of the probe. The court questioned why the primary person facing allegations had not been questioned and why crucial documents had not been seized. Warning against any 'bhai-bhai' relationship between the government and the PSC, the court remarked that people would be disgusted by such closeness. The earlier attempt to question the chairman and members had run into resistance, with the PSC approaching the High Court to challenge the investigation.
Scale of the Allegations
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan informed the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday that as many as 180 complaints related to alleged PSC examination irregularities had been received to date. The Crime Branch is currently investigating three of those complaints, while the commission's internal vigilance wing is probing five others. Notably, all 16 members of the present PSC were appointed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Political Fault Lines
Vijayan has defended the commission, arguing that it completed government recruitment in a 'commendable manner' and provided appointments to lakhs of candidates over the past decade. He alleged that an 'organised attempt and conspiracy' was underway to destroy the credibility of the institution by focusing on a single recruitment case. Meanwhile, outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar has reportedly recommended the removal of Baiju and the dissolution of the commission, citing the irregularity allegations. The relative silence of the student and youth wings of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] — known for their vocal protests when allegations surface against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) — has drawn comment as the case widens.
What Happens Next
The investigation remains ongoing and the allegations against the commission's leadership are yet to be established. The SIT questioning of Baiju, if it proceeds without further legal challenges, is expected to be a pivotal step in determining whether the recruitment process was deliberately manipulated. Further judicial oversight is likely, given the High Court's active interest in the probe's progress.
Point of View
Typically the loudest voices when Congress is in the dock, underlines the political awkwardness. With 180 complaints logged and the Governor calling for dissolution, the credibility of Kerala's public sector hiring machinery is at stake — and the SIT questioning of Baiju will show whether the investigation can proceed without further legal obstruction.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Kerala PSC Chairman Dr M.R. Baiju been summoned by the SIT?
Baiju has been summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for the chief of the Planning Board's Industry and Infrastructure Division. This is the second such summons; an earlier attempt was challenged by the PSC in the Kerala High Court.
What were the alleged irregularities in the Kerala Planning Board recruitment?
According to reports, the candidate originally selected for the post was re-ranked fifth after a re-evaluation triggered by a complaint, with the complainant rising to first place. The appointment was subsequently cancelled following judicial intervention, raising questions about the integrity of the original selection process.
What did the Kerala High Court say about the PSC probe?
The Kerala High Court criticised the slow progress of the investigation, questioning why the primary person facing allegations had not yet been questioned and why key documents had not been seized. The court also warned against any 'bhai-bhai' relationship between the government and the PSC, saying the public would be disgusted.
How many PSC irregularity complaints have been filed in Kerala?
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan told the Kerala Assembly that 180 complaints related to alleged PSC examination irregularities have been received. The Crime Branch is investigating three, while the commission's internal vigilance wing is probing five others.
What has Governor Rajendra Arlekar recommended regarding the Kerala PSC?
Outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar has reportedly recommended the removal of PSC Chairman Baiju and the dissolution of the commission, citing the allegations of irregularities. The recommendation has intensified political debate, as all 16 current PSC members were appointed during former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's tenure.
