The Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat has initiated a formal inquiry after the photograph of Assembly Speaker Harvindra Kalyan was used without authorization in a commercial advertisement by a property dealing firm.
Secretariat Directs Karnal DC for Investigation
The Secretariat has formally written to the Deputy Commissioner of Karnal district, directing an immediate inquiry and necessary legal action. A spokesperson confirmed that the letter explicitly asks the district administration to investigate this "unwarranted and undesirable" matter and to take appropriate action against those found responsible. The DC has also been instructed to submit a detailed report on the actions taken.
Details of the Unauthorized Advertisement
The incident involves a property dealing company based in Gharaunda, within the Karnal district. The firm published newspaper advertisements on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, to mark the New Year. These ads, created for commercial promotion, featured a photograph of Speaker Harvindra Kalyan without seeking his prior consent or permission.
The Secretariat's communication to the Karnal DC emphasized the constitutional stature of the Speaker's office. It stated that using the photograph of a person holding such a high constitutional position for commercial gain is strictly prohibited. The authorities have raised concerns that such misleading publications could potentially influence the general public and even administrative officers, creating an impression of endorsement where none exists.
Background and Implications
Harvindra Kalyan, who has been the elected representative from the Gharaunda Assembly constituency in Karnal since 2014, holds a significant public office. The unauthorized commercial use of his image represents a serious breach of protocol and ethics.
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of personal image misuse for commercial exploitation, especially concerning public figures. The swift response from the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat underscores the seriousness with which such infringements are treated, aiming to set a precedent and deter similar actions by other entities. The outcome of the Karnal district administration's probe is now awaited.
