Karnataka govt. withdraws order banning public from taking pictures, videos in its offices

Following criticism from several quarters, the order was withdrawn around midnight by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms

The Karnataka government has withdrawn its order banning photography and videography inside the government offices.

The government had on Friday morning issued an order prohibiting taking of photos and videos in its offices without prior permission. This followed a petition submitted to the government by the president of Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association, seeking a ban. However, following criticism the order was withdrawn around midnight by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

In his memorandum, the association president had alleged that while it is common for the general public to visit government offices regularly, individuals were entering the premises and taking photographs and videos of the functioning of the offices. They were then being circulated on social media “recklessly” and there was also a possibility of these being “misused”, which “lower the dignity of government offices.”

Following the association memorandum, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms had said that it is illegal to take photos and videos during working hours without prior permission of the authorities. This is applicable to all government offices, at district, taluk and village levels, besides in the State capital.

“The government has given careful consideration to the matter and is of the view that it is necessary to restrict the public from taking photos and videos during office hours of all the departments of the State government,” the order said.

However, the order was heavily criticised by some quarters as a move that will not allow for transparency in the government’s functioning.