The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre’s response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the utilization of Defence officers and Civil Servants to showcase the accomplishments of the ruling government over the past 9 years.
The petitioners, EAS Sarma and Jagdeep S Chhokar, are represented by Advocate Prashant Bhushan.
Chetan Sharma (Additional Advocate General for Delhi High Court) was granted time by the court to seek instructions in the matter, and the next hearing of the case is scheduled on January 5.
The petitioners contest an order issued by the Controller General of Defence Accounts, directing the deployment of defence officers at designated “selfie points” to highlight the positive initiatives of the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, they challenge the Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, which mandates the deployment of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries as District Rath Prabharis to showcase the achievements of the Government of India over the past nine years.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, argued that the use of Defence officers and civil servants is in violation of the rules governing the conduct of government servants and amounts to promoting the interests of a political party.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan stated, “Here you are seeking to use them for political propaganda. That falls foul of the rules and code of conduct for government servants. It would amount to corrupt practice under the Representation of Peoples Act.”
During the proceedings, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan made an oral remark, noting the prevalent ignorance in society and suggesting that individuals may become aware of certain schemes, such as pension schemes, through such promotional activities.
He observed, “Every newspaper today, when there is no election code in force, there are snaps of CMs or the Prime Minister on each advertisement.”
