Kerala PSC faces legal dilemma over Crime Branch summons in Planning Board exam scam

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The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) is seeking legal advice on whether its chairperson and members should appear before the Crime Branch in connection with the alleged irregularities in a Kerala State Planning Board recruitment examination.

The issue is expected to come up for a crucial discussion at the PSC meeting on Monday (September 14, 2026), with the commission likely to take a final decision on whether its senior officials will report to the Crime Branch headquarters on Tuesday (September 15, 2026).

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had issued notices requiring four PSC members to appear at the Crime Branch headquarters for questioning and recording of statements. The other members were expected to be summoned for questioning in subsequent phases.

The PSC has taken the position that its members cannot appear as directed, citing the rules and protocol governing the constitutional body. Instead, the commission has indicated that its officials are prepared to cooperate fully if investigators come to the PSC headquarters to record their statements.

The Crime Branch, however, has reportedly rejected the approach, maintaining that appearance at the Crime Branch headquarters for questioning would not violate any special protocol or constitutional obligation applicable to the PSC members. The apparent disagreement has prompted the PSC to seek a formal legal opinion.

The legal advice, sought from its standing counsel and lawyers representing the commission before the Kerala High Court and the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, is expected to be considered at the PSC meeting on Monday, sources said.

At the same time, the investigators have indicated that the SIT could itself proceed to the PSC office if the PSC officials do not appear at the Crime Branch headquarters as directed.  

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