Thu May 22 18:46:31 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Karnataka Cabinet Drops Prosecution Case Against Former KPSC Officials**
**Bengaluru, May 23, 2025** – The Karnataka Cabinet has decided not to pursue prosecution against the former chairman and nine members of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) regarding alleged irregularities in the 2011 recruitment of gazetted officers. The decision, announced by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil on Thursday, effectively closes the matter.
The case stemmed from allegations of widespread malpractices during the 2011 recruitment process, which triggered significant public protests at the time. A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe reportedly uncovered evidence of procedural violations and potential manipulation in the selection process.
While KPSC members hold constitutional positions, requiring prior sanction from constitutional authorities for legal proceedings, the Cabinet justified its decision by stating that the former chairman, Gonal Bheemappa, and the other implicated members have since retired from their positions. In 2021, the same Cabinet regularized the services of 48 officers that were recruited through the same process.
In other developments, the Cabinet approved the upgrade of Sindhanur taluk hospital to a district hospital with a bed increase from 100 to 200 at a cost of ₹28.75 crore. Additionally, the Malur and Maddur town Municipal Councils will be upgraded to City Municipal Councils.
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