IAS Officer Rinku Singh Rahi Wins Hearts With Humility, Highlights Need for Introspection Among Legal Fraternity
In a rare and powerful display of administrative accountability, IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi, on his very first day as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Powayan tehsil in Shahjahanpur district, set an unprecedented example by publicly performing sit-ups in front of protesting lawyers.
His action, intended as a symbolic gesture of self-discipline and responsibility, quickly went viral and sparked a nationwide conversation about public service, humility, and the standards of conduct among those in positions of power.
The incident took place on Tuesday during Rahi’s first inspection of the tehsil premises, where he was reportedly shocked by the unhygienic conditions.
He discovered widespread public urination near functioning toilets and garbage scattered around the compound, despite existing sanitation facilities.
Determined to enforce civic discipline and correct behavioral norms, Rahi instructed the offenders—ordinary citizens who had blatantly ignored warnings—to perform sit-ups on the spot.
“I had earlier asked them to use the toilets. But some people continued to urinate in the open. So I made them do sit-ups to publicly highlight the issue and discourage others,” Rahi explained.
During the same visit, the officer encountered primary school children loitering around the complex during school hours, accompanied by parents who seemed indifferent to the children’s education.
Concerned that guardians were neglecting the academic futures of their children, Rahi once again resorted to symbolic punishment—asking the parents themselves to do sit-ups to drive home the message.
“Education is a right and a necessity. If parents are not sending their children to school, they are denying them their future. This was a way to awaken a sense of responsibility among them,” he said.
Lawyers’ Protest: A Challenge to Authority or a Deflection from Accountability?
However, what began as a strong stand for public cleanliness and educational awareness soon turned into a moment of confrontation when a group of striking lawyers took exception to Rahi’s disciplinary measures.
The trigger was the treatment of a clerk allegedly associated with the lawyers, who was caught urinating in public and was made to do sit-ups. Members of the legal fraternity objected, questioning Rahi’s authority and the appropriateness of his approach.
“Why should our clerk be made to do sit-ups? The condition of the toilets and the tehsil premises is pathetic. Will you also punish yourself for administrative shortcomings?” Advocate Virendra Kumar Yadav challenged the SDM.
In what can only be described as an act of extraordinary humility and moral courage, Rahi did not resort to a verbal counter or use his official authority to assert control. Instead, he acknowledged the systemic failures and proceeded to do sit-ups himself—right in front of the protesting lawyers—owning up to the lapses in administration and sanitation.
“Yes, it is our fault too. If others are punished for their mistakes, then so must we be,” Rahi told the lawyers before holding his ears and performing sit-ups as a form of public accountability.
The video of this remarkable moment quickly circulated on social media, receiving praise from civil servants, citizens, and even sections of the legal community. Rahi’s gesture was not only seen as a message of accountability but as a reminder that leadership comes not from status but from the willingness to take responsibility—even in uncomfortable circumstances.
The Need for Self-Reflection Among Lawyers
While SDM Rinku Singh Rahi demonstrated rare integrity and humility, the incident also exposed a troubling tendency within certain sections of the legal fraternity—an unwillingness to accept discipline or be held accountable for public misconduct.
A part of the legal community, especially in district courts across the country, is increasingly known for acts that deviate from the decorum expected of officers of the court. Instances of unruly protests, intimidation, and even disruptions in judicial proceedings are, unfortunately, not uncommon.
The High Courts, while consistently upholding the dignity of the profession, have also expressed concern over such conduct, which tarnishes the image of the legal profession. The reaction from some lawyers in Powayan—questioning the SDM for holding a public servant accountable for an act as basic as urinating in a public place—only underscores the need for introspection within the community.
A Model Officer and a Moment of Grace
Rahi’s conduct reflects the essence of true civil service—one that is not limited to exercising authority but includes leading by example, acknowledging failures, and placing public welfare above ego or optics. His decision to own up to administrative flaws, rather than deflect blame, sends a powerful message to all public servants and civil society.
“I have asked the public to point out our faults so that we can correct them. Only then can governance improve,” Rahi said in closing.
