Supreme Court

“Delhi HC Seeks Govt’s Reply on PIL Against Use of Defense Officers for Political Propaganda

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.”

Ashish Sinha

-Ashish Kumar Sinha -Editor Legally Speaking -Ram Nath Goenka awardee - 14 Years of Experience in Media - Covering Courts Since 2008

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

3 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

3 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

5 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

5 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

6 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

6 hours ago