Amaravati

Former IAS officer Vijay Kumar has filed a writ petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, raising legal and ethical concerns over Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan's continued involvement in the entertainment industry while holding a constitutional office. The petition, filed on Monday, seeks interim orders to restrict Pawan Kalyan from acting in films, producing or promoting movies, and appearing in advertisements, citing conflict of interest and constitutional violation.

Kumar alleges that government funds and office were misused during the making and promotion of Kalyan’s latest release, Hari Hara Veera Mallu (HHVM), asserting that a minister's role implies full-time public service. Concerns were also raised over Kalyan's public admission of acting to "make money" and his alleged influence on ticket price hikes for HHVM.

Pawan Kalyan, the Jana Sena Party chief, has stated he needs cinema for "financial sustenance," even suggesting a shift to film production to maintain income alongside political responsibilities. While the High Court did not issue immediate notices to the CBI, ACB, or Kalyan, it has posted the matter for further hearing. Legal experts note that India currently lacks a clear law barring ministers from engaging in private professions like entertainment, making this case significant for potentially setting a precedent.