Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst mounting controversies surrounding several senior IAS officers, chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan has reportedly compiled and submitted a detailed written briefing to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, specifically addressing a series of alarming incidents that may constitute violations of the All India Service Conduct Rules, 1968.
In her assessment, the chief secretary strongly recommended taking disciplinary action against IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan, who has been accused of inaugurating WhatsApp groups infused with communal overtones, according to well-placed sources. Despite Gopalakrishnan’s assertion that his phone had been hacked, a thorough police investigation uncovered no substantiating evidence to support such a claim. His unfounded allegations not only contravene the established service conduct rules but also potentially amount to a criminal offense due to the submission of a false police complaint and evidence tampering—a matter further complicated by the fact that he surrendered his device only after formatting it.
According to Rule 3(1) of the service conduct rules, it is imperative for IAS officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and unwavering devotion to their duties. Furthermore, Rule 3(1)(A) stipulates that these officers must adhere to elevated ethical standards that encompass honesty, political neutrality, fairness, and transparency, while remaining accountable to the public. Given the evidence now available, Gopalakrishnan’s actions are poised to trigger significant disciplinary measures and potentially legal ramifications.
Additionally, the chief secretary’s report casts a spotlight on the prevailing tensions between additional chief secretary (finance) A Jayathilak and special secretary (agriculture) N Prasanth. Jayathilak has levied serious allegations against Prasanth, which include the mishandling of crucial files and inconsistent attendance in the SC/ST department. However, a number of IAS officers have dismissed these charges as trivial and largely irrelevant, contending that they do not justify the intense scrutiny they have attracted.
Insiders have pointed out that IAS officers do not possess the authority to generate reports on their junior colleagues without explicit directives from the government and the absence of a formal inquiry being initiated against the officer in question. Furthermore, officers with statewide responsibilities are not mandated to maintain rigid attendance records, given that their roles often necessitate extensive travel throughout the state. It should be noted that attendance records for IAS officers are systematically overseen by the general administration (special) department. The chief minister is expected to carefully review the report and render a final decision on the necessary actions to be taken in these contentious cases.
**Interview with Dr. Aditi Nair, Political Analyst and Expert on Civil Services Conduct**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nair. The recent actions of Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, particularly her briefing to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan, have sparked a lot of discussions. What is your assessment of this situation?
**Dr. Nair:** Thank you for having me. This situation raises significant concerns about the integrity and conduct of public servants. The chief secretary’s decision to compile a detailed report indicates that the issue at hand is serious and cannot be overlooked. The allegations against Gopalakrishnan, particularly those relating to the creation of WhatsApp groups with communal nuances, could undermine the neutrality expected from an IAS officer.
**Interviewer:** Gopalakrishnan has claimed that his phone was hacked. How do you view this defense in light of the police investigation that found no supporting evidence?
**Dr. Nair:** The assertion of a hacking incident is a common defense mechanism, especially in cases involving digital misconduct. However, the lack of evidence from the investigation puts him in a precarious position. The fact that he surrendered his device only after formatting it raises further suspicions. This could indicate an attempt to obscure evidence, which may lead to more severe repercussions beyond administrative scrutiny.
**Interviewer:** The Chief Secretary has recommended disciplinary action. What potential consequences could Gopalakrishnan face if the allegations are proven true?
**Dr. Nair:** If the allegations are substantiated, Gopalakrishnan could face a range of disciplinary actions, from a formal reprimand to suspension or even dismissal from service. Given that his actions could violate Rule 3(1) of the All India Service Conduct Rules, which stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding actions that could bring disrepute to the service, this matter could escalate to legal charges for any alleged criminal conduct as well.
**Interviewer:** In your view, how important is it for the government to maintain transparency in handling such cases among senior officials?
**Dr. Nair:** Transparency is absolutely critical in maintaining public trust in government institutions. When allegations of misconduct arise, the process needs to be handled with due diligence and openness. Ensuring that investigations and outcomes are communicated clearly not only upholds accountability but also reinforces the rule of law, all of which are vital for a healthy democracy.
**Interviewer:** What impact do you think this incident will have on the IAS community and public perception of civil services?
**Dr. Nair:** This incident may lead to a temporary erosion of trust in the IAS community, particularly if not handled properly. It serves as a reminder to all civil servants about the importance of adhering to professional conduct and the repercussions of misconduct. Should the government take decisive action, it could re-establish confidence that integrity must be upheld, potentially strengthening the framework of accountability within civil services.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Nair, for your valuable insights on this matter.
**Dr. Nair:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep these discussions ongoing.