The Supreme Court, on Thursday, December 14, issued an order to IPS officer D Roopa, directing her to remove her social media posts against IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri by Friday, December 15. This directive was given during the hearing of a petition filed by Roopa, who sought to quash a criminal defamation complaint filed by Sindhuri.
The apex court had on December 13, suggested both Karnataka officers to resolve the issue through mediation. However, during the hearing, the officers informed the court that mediation was not feasible. The bench said that it was disappointed that the two officers could not settle their differences amicably. The bench, consisting of Justices S Oka and Pankaj Mithal, stated that the case would be heard on its merits. The bench was quoted by LiveLaw, saying, "If IAS-IPS officers fight like this, how will the administration work."
Earlier this year, a public spat between the two officers from Karnataka ensued after Roopa shared personal pictures of Sindhuri on social media platforms and accused her of 19 allegations including corruption. She also filed a complaint with the chief secretary of the state demanding an inquiry into the allegations against Sindhuri. Subsequently, Sindhuri initiated both civil and criminal proceedings against Roopa for defamation.
Justice Oka said that Roopa must file an affidavit on December 15, detailing the nature of the removed posts. If, for any reason, Roopa cannot delete the posts, she was instructed to make at least one post clarifying the withdrawal of statements against Rohini. Justice Oka said that the court's objective is to bring an end to the entire dispute, and said, "We want to bring an end to the whole dispute. That is the only reason that we are hearing it. Don't be under the impression that we are entertaining your petition or trying to hold in your favour. No. We are not doing that. We are doing it for the sake of the administration of the State," as he addressed Roopa.