Supreme Court seeks undertaking from D Roopa IPS to remove 'defamatory' posts against Rohini Sindhuri IAS

The Supreme Court on Thursday suggested IPS officer D Roopa Moudgil to give an undertaking that she would remove all social media posts against IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri within 24 hours [D Roopa vs Rohini Sindhuri]..A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal added that if the officers continue to fight and refuse meditation, the State administration would come to a standstill.The two officers were present in person before the Court yesterday and fervently presented their allegations and counter-allegations. The bench, however, was not impressed, and after Sindhuri kept repeating her contentions, said, "We do not get impressed by emotional arguments. Both sides must understand that in this court, there is no place for emotions," the Court said. .The matter is slated to be heard again on Friday..The Court was hearing IPS officer, Roopa's appeal against a Karnataka High Court order passed in August this year. The High Court had refused to quash a criminal defamation case initiated by IAS officer, Sindhuri against Roopa..Earlier this week, on Wednesday, the Supreme Court recommended mediation in the matter in view of the high ranks of the parties involved. Public spats between such officials would demean the administration and its image, the top court had remarked. Justice Oka had also advised the two officers to avoid 'mud-slinging'..When the matter was heard on Thursday, the Court was informed by counsel for the IAS officer that she was not agreeable to the proposal for mediation."If IAS-IPS officers continue to fight like this and refuse meditation ... This must come to and end. How administration will work? We will hear on merits, and you file counter," Justice Oka replied, in turn.Meanwhile, Rohini Sindhuri, who appeared in-person alongside her counsel expressed objection to Roopa's alleged conduct so far."How can she bring my family into this? My 10-year-old son is asking me. There is complete character assassination," Sindhuri told the Court. The Court eventually suggested that, for now, Roopa can delete the posts in question for the time being, and she can later apologise to Sindhuri to bring a closure to the matter."The trial is in (Section) 313 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) stage, so there are limitations. Someone has to take the first step. See, it is easiest to just say dismissed, we are doing this in interest of both the civil servants," he Court advised.Sindhuri, however, alleged that there were more recent transgressions by Roopa. "We shared a flight (recently). Unfortunately, she sat behind and started abusing me and sent texts to my parents. Comments on my dignity and honour. Every male officer she has linked me with. How will I work in the State?" Sindhuri asked."Even if you prosecute her, it will not (help your cause)", Justice Oka responded, while asking the IAS officer to calm down.The bench proceeded to object to the alleged conduct by Roopa, particularly since she had not been tasked to investigate any matter against Sindhuri."So many people have corruption cases. What business you have to make allegations when it is for trial? You are IPS officer, how are you concerned with allegations made against someone else being probed by someone else. Other people will take care. Why should we entertain (your quashing petition)?" the Court asked the IPS officer.When Roopa replied that Sindhuri should 'stop sending' pictures to male bureaucrats."Do not be under impression that we are entertaining this petition by hearing you ... We are on administration of the State," Justice Oka shot back.The Court then proceeded to state that Roopa provide an undertaking to delete her allegedly defamatory posts on Friday..BackgroundOn February 18 this year, Sindhuri had discovered that D Roopa Moudgil had made several allegations against her in Facebook posts. In these posts, Roopa accused Sindhuri of sharing her private pictures with fellow IAS officers.This led to a public spat between the two, prompting the State government to transfer both officers.On February 21, Sindhuri issued a legal notice to Moudgil and demanded an unconditional apology and ₹1 crore in damages for the loss of her reputation and mental agony.On March 24, a Bengaluru court which was hearing the private suit filed by Sindhuri, ordered the initiation of a criminal defamation case against Moudgil. Moudgil then moved the High Court to have the same quashed.On August 21, the Karnataka High Court rejected the plea by Roopa Moudgil.High Court judge, Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum had observed that Roopa Moudgil's statements on social media account and print media warranted a criminal trial.The High Court added that the question of whether the statements were defamatory or not was a matter for the trial court to decide.This verdict has been challenged by the IPS officer before the Supreme Court in appeal.