Karnataka government's U-turn on banning pictures, videos in its offices

BENGALURU: After drawing flak from various quarters, the state government withdrew the order banning photography and videography inside government offices, just about 12 hours after it was issued. It follows directions from CM Basavaraj Bommai late Friday night.
On Friday morning, the government issued an order prohibiting photos and videos in its offices without prior permission, following a petition by president of the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association.
However, following criticism from the opposition, activists and general public, the CM examined the order and instructed its revocation. It was withdrawn around midnight by the department of personnel and administrative reforms. But, the order in Kannada had seven mistakes, and it drew criticism on social media.
Order hadn’t come to my attention: Bommai
The government corrected them and issued a new order on Saturday morning. “This order had not come to my attention. Government employees had been complaining about this for a while, especially since it (uploading of photos and videos on social media) had caused problems for women employees. Our administration is run in a transparent manner. We want things to continue as before without any restrictions,” Bommai said.
In the association’s petition, its president claimed some people were entering government offices and taking photographs and videos. They were circulated on social media “recklessly” and there was a possibility of these being misused which “lowers the dignity of government offices”. The order was widely criticised. Karnataka Rashtra Samiti said the government is trying to use a draconian rule and it was anti-people. “Are you scared your 40% commission allegation will be exposed?” asked JD(S) leader and MLA Bandeppa Kashempur. “Why should the government be afraid of photography and videography if it is on the right track?””