The troubles for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Santosh Kumar Verma, serving in the Madhya Pradesh government, have escalated. Following his controversial remarks concerning Brahmin daughters, the state government has issued a show-cause notice to him. The notice, released late Wednesday night by the General Administration Department, states that Verma's statement isn't in line with the expected conduct of IAS officers.
The Controversial Statement and Its Context
The entire incident stems from the provincial convention of AJAKS (Ajaks) held in Bhopal on November 23, 2025. During this convention, Santosh Verma, a newly appointed senior IAS officer within Ajaks, made a statement that sparked widespread outrage across the state. He reportedly said, "Reservation for one person in a family should continue until a Brahmin gives his daughter in marriage to my son, or a relationship is formed with her. " This comment was made on a public platform, and after. Its video surfaced, various Brahmin organizations and political parties strongly condemned it. The statement was widely perceived as a threat to social harmony and mutual goodwill.
Key Points of the Government's Notice
The notice issued by the General Administration Department explicitly states that Santosh Verma's statement prima facie appears to be an attempt to hurt social harmony and create mutual animosity. The notice also refers to copies of news reports published in various newspapers on November 25, 2025, which confirm his statement, while the government has deemed this act inconsistent with the expected conduct of Indian Administrative Service officers, categorizing it as indiscipline, arbitrariness, and serious misconduct. This is a grave accusation that could Notably impact any civil servant's career.
Violation of Rules and Disciplinary Action
The notice further highlights that Santosh Verma has violated Rules 3(1) and 3(2)(b)(i)(ii) of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. These rules mandate civil servants to uphold high standards in public life and refrain from any actions that could disrupt social harmony or tarnish the government's image. Due to the violation of these rules, Verma has made himself liable for disciplinary action under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The government has asked him to explain why disciplinary action shouldn't be initiated against him under Rule 10(1)(A).
Response Deadline and Consequences
Santosh Verma has been directed to submit his response within 07 days of receiving the show-cause notice. This deadline is crucial, as failure to submit a response within the stipulated time will empower the government to proceed with appropriate ex-parte action against him. Ex-parte action means the government can make a decision at its discretion without waiting for his explanation, which could lead to an even more challenging situation for him.
The Path Forward
Since the emergence of IAS Santosh Verma's statement, Brahmin organizations across various parts of the state have staged strong protests against him. These organizations labeled his statement as objectionable and derogatory towards a specific community, while On top of that, numerous leaders from both major political parties, Congress and BJP, also strongly condemned Santosh Kumar Verma's remarks. The statement generated considerable discussion in political circles and was widely criticized as an irresponsible comment on a sensitive issue. This incident underscores the profound impact public officials' statements can have on society and the caution they must exercise.
All eyes are now on Santosh Verma's response, while only after his reply will it become clear what final action the government will take against him. This case could set an important precedent regarding the code of conduct for civil service officers and the sensitivity of public statements, while the government's action also demonstrates its serious stance on any objectionable remarks made by its officers and its commitment to maintaining social harmony.
