KPSC exam row: Karnataka cabinet not to appeal against KAT order

Bengaluru: Karnataka cabinet today decided not to appeal against the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal order quashing the state government’s order annulling selection of 362 gazetted probationers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission in 2011.

The government said the due process including police verification and issual of appointment orders will follow.

“After examining all aspects thoroughly and discussing with the Advocate General whether to appeal against the KAT order or no…finally keeping administrative aspects in mind, and looking at the need of probationary officers for various departments, the government has decided to accept the KAT order and not to appeal against it,” Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said.

“We have gone by the judgement of the KAT and there is no further appeal, as KAT has set aside all our apprehensions,” he said after the cabinet meeting here.

Following allegations of irregularities and corruption in the KPSC’s selection process, the state government in August 2014 had cancelled the selection process, after initially ordering a CID probe.

Quashing the government’s order of annulling selection KAT had in October directed the government to issue appointment orders to the selected candidates.

The minister said there was still option for those who have objections to challenge the KAT order under relevant acts.

Meanwhile, the cabinet today cleared new metro rail route of about 17 km along the outer ring road of Bengaluru from Central Silk Board to K R Puram.

Jayachandra said this decision was taken keeping in mind traffic congestion along the stretch.
“The project may cost about Rs 4,202 crore..it will have 13 terminals,” he added.

Other decisions taken by the cabinet included amending the policy relating to 99 year lease of Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board in allocation of land.

The amendment envisages granting sale deed in allocation of land for central government, public sector, state government enterprises and centre and state joint venture companies besides government housing projects.