HomeIndia News‘Is the law equal for all?’: Telangana IAS officer Smita Sabharwal responds to police notice
Viewing the viral post as potentially misleading, the Telangana government decided to act against what it termed “false propaganda” and authorised the police to issue notices to multiple individuals. Sabharwal was among those who received a notice, issued under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) on April 12.
By Ramana Kumar PV April 20, 2025, 12:10:57 PM IST (Published)
Senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has responded to a notice issued by the Gachibowli police over a viral social media post, stating that while she has fully cooperated with the authorities, the issue raises serious concerns about selective enforcement of the law.
“Have fully cooperated with Gachibowli police authorities and given my detailed statement today as a law-abiding citizen under BNSS Act,” Sabharwal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“The post was reshared by 2000 individuals on this platform. I sought clarification on whether same action is initiated for all! If not, this raises concern about selective targeting, that in turn compromises the #principles of #natural justice and equality before the Law,” she added.
Have fully cooperated with Gachibowli police authorities, and given my detailed statement today as a law abiding citizen under BNSS Act.
The post was reshared by 2000 individuals on this platform.
I sought clarification on whether same action is initiated for all!If not,…
— Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) April 19, 2025
The controversy stems from an AI-generated image that Sabharwal had reshared, depicting earth-moving equipment and wildlife like peacocks, which went viral amid growing public debate on the Kanche Gachibowli land dispute.
The image was perceived by some as a symbolic reference to alleged environmental damage and questionable land activities in the area.
Viewing the viral post as potentially misleading, the Telangana government decided to act against what it termed “false propaganda” and authorised the police to issue notices to multiple individuals.
#Ghibli Story On #Hyderabad Today! #SaveHCU #SaveHCUBioDiversity#SaveHyderabadBioDiversity ????️ pic.twitter.com/ozbmxvSZ7D
— Hi Hyderabad (@HiHyderabad) March 31, 2025
Sabharwal was among those who received a notice, issued under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) on April 12.
The officer’s public response has sparked conversation around freedom of expression, accountability, and the equal application of the law in the digital space.
Smita Sabharwal is a 2001-batch IAS officer, and is currently serving as the Secretary to the Government for Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture in Telangana. She previously held the position of Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) during the KCR tenure.
Read more: SC puts Hyderabad tree felling on hold amid protests: What happened in the case till now
