IAS Tina Dabi Controversy: IAS officer Tina Dabi, who is currently the Collector of Barmer, is in the news these days. Actually, a controversy started when girl students protested against the increase in college fees in Barmer. During the protest, some girl students commented that the collector is not a role model but a reel star. After this comment the girl students were taken into police custody for some time. Meanwhile, a question is arising whether an IAS officer can be detained for calling him a reel star and whether it is a crime. Let us know.

Is it a crime to call an officer a reel star

First of all let us understand the meaning of the word reel star. In fact, the girl students used this word to criticize the Collector for being more visible on social media instead of taking ground action. Let us tell you that making such comments on any government official is not a criminal offense. Indian law allows criticism of government employees under freedom of expression. The only condition is that it should not cross some legal limits.

Criticism or satire about the working style of any official does not automatically give rise to criminal liability. Legal trouble starts when something is done with actions or intentions that violate the law.

When can legal action be taken

In such cases, if the comment is obstructing government work, creating unrest or deliberately harming reputation, then problems may arise. If any protest blocks roads, disrupts public services or prevents any official from doing government work, then the police can take action under the provisions related to obstructing the work of government employees.

Apart from this, if any statement is made with the intention of damaging the reputation of an officer through false allegations, then the officer can also file a defamation case personally.

does this mean going to jail

Generally there is no provision of going to jail in such cases. In such cases, the police can simply keep you in custody for a few hours. Along with this, to maintain peace, they are released after signing the bond. Also, unless there is violence or serious misbehavior, there is no provision for long jail time or harsh punishment.

Also read: Can you take a bike or scooter in the train, know what are the railway rules?