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Raj submits consent in SC to terminate Katara's term

Raj submits consent in SC to terminate Katara's term

Time of India14-07-2025
Jaipur: Parliamentary affairs minister Jogaram Patel said Monday Rajasthan govt has formally submitted in Supreme Court a copy of the presidential assent for termination of suspended Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Babulal Katara.
Katara, who was suspended in Jan 2024 by governor Kalraj Mishra, faces serious allegations of involvement in the Grade II Teacher Exam-2022 paper leak case. His role in the scandal sparked a major controversy over corruption and malpractice in the state's recruitment processes.
Patel said, "The state govt initiated action against Katara by sending a detailed report to the governor last year. As per constitutional protocol, the governor forwarded the case to the President's office.
Since the matter is sub judice, the consent for his termination was also submitted to the Supreme Court. We are now awaiting final orders. Once the process is complete, Katara will be removed from his post, and all his official benefits will be withdrawn.
"
The minister also clarified that cases involving grave misconduct by RPSC members are handled through a rigorous constitutional process. The appointment and removal of RPSC members are governed by formal regulations under the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1974, and removal can only be effected after presidential consent. Katara was in judicial custody for over two years and was recently denied bail by a special CBI court, which cited his direct involvement in the paper leak racket.
According to the investigation, Katara is accused of leaking the exam paper in collusion with his nephew and others, allegedly accepting payments in cash, gold, and iPhones in return for providing the paper to select candidates.
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