The Kerala PSC Chairman Removal recommendation has put the constitutional status of State Public Service Commissions in focus. Former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has recommended to President Droupadi Murmu the removal of KPSC Chairman M.R. Baiju and other commission members. This is a high-value Polity topic, and understanding the Kerala PSC Chairman Removal process is essential for APPSC, TGPSC and UPSC aspirants.
Why in News?
The Governor sent a recommendation letter to the President on October 15, 2026, just before demitting office and moving to Tamil Nadu as Governor.
The letter seeks the removal of the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman M.R. Baiju and its members.
Under the Constitution, the Governor appoints members of a State PSC, but only the President can remove them.
Kerala PSC Chairman Removal: Key Facts for Prelims
- The Public Service Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 315.
- India has the UPSC and State PSCs; Parliament may create a Joint State PSC for two or more states.
- The Governor appoints the Chairman and members of a State PSC (Article 316).
- Members serve for 6 years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
- Removal is by the President alone, on specific constitutional grounds.
- Expenses are charged to the Consolidated Fund of the State and are non-votable by the legislature.
Removal Process under Article 317
- For misbehaviour, the President refers the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry.
- The Supreme Court’s report is advisory, but the President is bound by it in practice.
- The Governor may suspend the member of a State PSC while the Supreme Court inquiry is pending.
- Without any inquiry, the President can remove a member who is adjudged an insolvent, takes paid employment outside duties, or is unfit due to infirmity of mind or body.
Related Provisions
- Article 318: The Governor makes regulations on conditions of service of members and staff.
- Article 319: Bars members from holding certain further government posts after their term.
- Article 323: The Commission submits an annual report to the Governor, who places it before the State Legislature.
Quick Revision Table: Kerala PSC Chairman Removal
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Constitutional basis | Article 315 |
| Appointing authority | Governor |
| Removing authority | President of India |
| Tenure | 6 years or age 62, whichever is earlier |
| Removal for misbehaviour | Supreme Court inquiry under Article 317 |
| Financial independence | Charged to State Consolidated Fund |
Trap / Confusing Points: Kerala PSC Chairman Removal
| Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| Governor can remove a State PSC member | No. The Governor only appoints; the President removes |
| A Governor’s recommendation removes the member | No. It is only a recommendation; the constitutional process must be followed |
| State PSC tenure is the same as UPSC | No. UPSC is 6 years or age 65; State PSC is 6 years or age 62 |
| Supreme Court inquiry is needed for every ground | No. It is needed only for misbehaviour |
| State legislature votes on PSC expenses | No. They are charged and non-votable |
5 Practice MCQs on Kerala PSC Chairman Removal
1. Who appoints the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission?
a. President
b. Governor
c. Chief Minister
d. Chief Justice of the High Court
Ans: b
Explanation: Under Article 316, the Governor appoints the Chairman and members of a State PSC.
2. Who can remove the Chairman of a State PSC?
a. Governor
b. President
c. Chief Minister
d. State Legislature
Ans: b
Explanation: Article 317 vests the removal power in the President, even though the Governor appoints.
3. Expenses of a State PSC are charged on which fund?
a. Contingency Fund of India
b. Public Account of the State
c. Consolidated Fund of the State
d. Consolidated Fund of India
Ans: c
Explanation: Article 322 charges the expenses to the State Consolidated Fund, and they are non-votable.
4. What is the maximum tenure of a State PSC member?
a. 5 years or age 60
b. 6 years or age 65
c. 6 years or age 62
d. 5 years or age 65
Ans: c
Explanation: A State PSC member holds office for 6 years or until age 62, whichever is earlier.
5. Which ground for removal does NOT require a Supreme Court inquiry?
a. Misbehaviour
b. Being adjudged an insolvent
c. Alleged corruption
d. Political criticism
Ans: b
Explanation: Insolvency is a ground for direct removal by the President; only misbehaviour needs a Supreme Court inquiry.
Exam tip: Remember the pair: the Governor appoints, the President removes. Questions often test this contrast and the Supreme Court’s role under Article 317.
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