Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman M.R. Baiju has been issued a fresh summons by the Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT), directing him to appear for questioning on Tuesday, 7 November 2026, in connection with the Planning Board examination fraud case. If he complies, this will mark the second time Baiju faces the SIT in the ongoing probe.

Why Baiju Is Being Summoned Again

Investigators suspect that certain unilateral decisions allegedly taken by the PSC chairman may have directly contributed to irregularities in the conduct and evaluation of the Planning Board examination. The SIT is examining the decision-making trail behind the alleged manipulation, and Baiju has emerged as a central figure in that chain.

Notably, statements given by PSC members reportedly indicated that Baiju himself handpicked both the panel that prepared the examination questions and the evaluators entrusted with assessing the answer scripts. Members also told investigators that the chairman made unilateral interventions at multiple stages of the examination process.

Baiju's Earlier Refusal and the High Court Angle

Baiju had previously declined to appear before the SIT, stating he would only do so after the Kerala High Court ruled on the matter, which remains pending before the court. The SIT, however, has clarified that the High Court has neither stayed the investigation nor restrained it from questioning the chairman. The agency has pointed out that the High Court itself directed that the investigation should not be delayed indefinitely — a position it may now cite if Baiju fails to appear again. The SIT has indicated it may apprise the High Court if he does not comply with the latest summons.

The Role of PSC Officials Under Scrutiny

The investigation has broadened to examine the conduct of senior PSC officials beyond the chairman. Additional Secretary R. Hari, who was earlier arrested in connection with the case, has told investigators he had no role in the omission of 10 questions from the valuation process during the Planning Board examination. According to his statement, responsibility for the valuation process rested with retired Deputy Secretary Satheesh, and he claimed to have been unaware that those questions had been excluded from evaluation.

The Crime Branch, however, has reportedly not accepted his explanation, maintaining that the chairman's alleged unilateral decisions were at the root of the irregularities rather than a subordinate-level oversight.

What the SIT Is Focusing On

The SIT continues to question officials and scrutinise the decision-making process behind the alleged exam manipulation. The fresh summons to Baiju assumes added significance as the investigation attempts to establish accountability at the top of the PSC hierarchy. The probe's widening scope — from the exclusion of questions in valuation to the selection of question-paper setters and evaluators — suggests investigators are building a picture of systemic interference rather than isolated lapses.

This comes amid broader public concern over the integrity of competitive examinations administered by the PSC, which is the principal recruitment body for Kerala government posts. With the High Court watching and further questioning of officials expected, the case is likely to escalate in the coming days.