Centre Defends 'Selfie Points' Initiative As Cost-Effective Public Engagement In Delhi HC

Before the Delhi High Court, the Centre justified its choice to install "selfie points" in public spaces to promote defence policy initiatives. It argued that the "selfie system is a technological gift," designed to acquaint the public with government schemes and policies in a cost-effective manner.

The Centre dismissed having any political motive and emphasized that the selfie points initiative was centred on showcasing accomplishments in the defence sector, including active participation of women in the armed forces and implementation of the Agnipath scheme.

These responses were presented in light of a PIL accusing the utilization of public servants and defence personnel for disseminating "political propaganda" by showcasing government accomplishments over the past nine years.

Petitioners EAS Sarma and Jagdeep S Chhokar asserted that the government set up multiple selfie points, instructing soldiers to endorse the work conducted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Public servants were allegedly deployed as special officers for the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" to "canvass" for the ruling party, breaching service rules and the Representation of the People Act.

Advocate Pranav Sachdeva, representing the petitioners, informed the bench that each selfie point incurred a cost of Rs 6 lakh and was being installed at all railway stations. He contended that this initiative was being employed for the ruling party's political campaign using public funds, creating an uneven playing field.

The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora, noted that the measures in question did not specifically mention any political party; instead, they solely aimed at promoting government schemes.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma underscored the government's commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of benefits from its flagship schemes to the intended beneficiaries. He defended the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra," stating its purpose was to guarantee the "last-mile" outreach of all welfare schemes.

The bench scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 30, instructing the Centre to officially record its stance. The petitioners contended that deploying public servants to showcase the government's achievements for political purposes disrupts free and fair elections, crucial for democracy.