SRINAGAR: A Data Entry Operator at the Zonal Education Office Sumbal, has been attached to the office of Tehsildar Sumbal in Bandipora with immediate effect. The action comes after a report was filed by field agencies regarding an alleged offensive social media post made by the official, potentially impacting communal harmony.
Quoting officials, GNS reported that the post in question is said to be in violation of Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution, and the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules 1971.
Meanwhile, a committee, headed by the Tehsildar Sumbal, has been formed to investigate the matter and asked to submit its recommendations within a week.
Moreover, the attachment & subsequent inquiry order issued by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sumbal, Aamir Choudhary, vide no. SDM/S/2023-24/864-69 reads, “Consequent upon the report from the field agencies regarding obnoxious social media post allegedly by one Mohammad Saleem Bhat Data Entry Operator, Zonal Education Office Sumbal having a detrimental effect on prevalent brotherhood and the peaceful situation at present which could result in animosity between sections of society.”
“That such unpleasant social media posts are in contravention to Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India which deals with the Freedom of Speech and also imposes reasonable restrictions as well.”
The order states that the GAD Circular No- JK (GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023 makes it amply clear that the Government Servant shall not engage themselves with social media in a manner which is contravention to these rules and also vehemently makes it clear that the clear the Govt employees shall not post on social media any such content or comments about co-worker or individuals that are vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating or that violate the conduct rules.
“Therefore keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter the above mentioned official namely Mohammad Saleem Bhat Data Entry Operator ZEO Sumbal is hereby attached in the office of Tehsildar Sumbal with immediate effect.,” it said.
Moreover, a committee of three members has been constituted under the chairmanship of Tehsildar Sumbal to make an inquiry and submit its report along within a week’s time,” added the order issued by the SDM.
