Add CS says he has not violated norms by demanding CBI probe

Additional Chief Secretary Madan Gopal today claimed he has not violated any 'service rule' by questioning the government's stand against CBI probe into the mysterious death of his colleague D K Ravi, and said will defend by invoking the country's laws.
His reaction came after state government threatened legal action against Gopal and some other IAS officers for questioning its stand against CBI probe into the mysterious death of IAS officer D K Ravi.
"If the government takes action by issuing a show cause notice, I will reply within the framework of laws.I have been serving the people for the last 31 years and I know the laws, which empowers me to speak my mind," he told PTI here.

Gopal said he has not violated any rules under section 7 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, as his comments in the media had not embarrassed the relations between the Central and State governments.
The section states that no member of the service shall, in any .... Public media ... Make any statement of fact or opinion, which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or a State Government.
Also, one which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and any State Government and which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any Foreign State.

Yesterday, a senior minister told reporters that the government would take legal action against Gopal and a few other IAS officers for violating service rules, and issue show cause notice for their 'misconduct' by giving press statements demanding CBI probe.
Several IAS officers yesterday had signed an online petition addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a probe by the CBI. Gopal has also demanded CBI inquiry.