The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has handed over key recruitment records to the Crime Branch in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the selection process for the Chief Industry and Infrastructure Officer post at the State Planning Board — even as it continues to withhold those same documents from candidates seeking access under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The development, which came to light on 18 July, has sharpened questions over the Commission's transparency and its selective compliance with disclosure obligations.

What the Crime Branch Received

The documents handed over to investigators include the question paper, answer key, list of candidates, interview shortlist, and details of the on-screen evaluation process. These records form the core of the Crime Branch's examination into whether there were procedural violations, manipulation in the marking process, or attempts to influence the preparation of the rank list.

How the Controversy Began

The recruitment process first came under intense scrutiny after it emerged that the PSC had prepared the rank list without evaluating answers to 10 questions. The revelation triggered widespread allegations of procedural lapses and efforts to suppress crucial information. The controversy deepened further when the candidate who secured first rank was found to be a leader of a Left-affiliated organisation, drawing allegations of political interference in the selection process.

The RTI Standoff

The PSC's contrasting positions have drawn sharp criticism. Barely days before the Crime Branch handover, the State Information Commission had directed the PSC to furnish all records sought by candidates under the RTI Act within seven days, ruling that documents connected with the selection process could not be withheld. However, in response to an RTI application filed by one of the complainants, the PSC stated that it was 'not feasible at this stage' to disclose written examination and interview marks of candidates on the rank list. The Commission has also decided to challenge the State Information Commission's order before a higher forum, despite the directive requiring disclosure.

Critics Call Out Double Standard

Critics argue that the PSC has readily shared sensitive recruitment documents with investigating agencies while simultaneously denying the very candidates affected by the process access to the same records. The divergence in approach has raised fresh concerns about institutional accountability. The State Information Commission's order makes the PSC's resistance to RTI disclosure legally untenable, according to observers.

What Investigators Are Looking For

With the Crime Branch now in possession of the evaluation records, investigators are expected to examine whether the omission of 10 unevaluated questions from the rank list was accidental or deliberate, and whether the final rankings were manipulated. The outcome of the probe is likely to have significant implications for the credibility of Kerala's premier recruiting agency and the integrity of its selection processes going forward.