The state government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against senior IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar for alleged misconduct, following his comments on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The proceedings, under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, were officially ordered on Monday. Kumar has been directed to submit a written defense and specify if he wishes to be heard in person, within 15 days of receiving the notice.
The controversy stems from Kumar’s remarks regarding FIR No. 187/2024, dated July 11, 2024, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law), 167 (framing an incorrect document), 197 (prosecution of judges and public servants), 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (causing grievous hurt), 465 (forgery), 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) at Nagarampalem Police Station in Guntur District.
The FIR was based on a complaint lodged by MLA K. Raghurama Krishnam Raju. Sunil Kumar’s social media post, which criticized the FIR, has been viewed as a violation of Rule 7 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which prohibits officers from making public statements that may damage the government’s reputation.
The government’s action against Sunil Kumar is seen as a response to his public criticism of the case, sparking discussions about the limits of free expression for public servants on social media platforms.
