On Friday, the Karnataka government issued a showcause notice to an IAS officer who recently tweeted in praise of Tablighi Jamaat members, who recovered from Covid-19, donating plasma for the treatment of other patients.

Mohammad Mohsin had tweeted on April 27: "More than 300 Tablighi Heroes are donating their plasma to serve the country in New Delhi only. What about? #Godi Media? They will not show the works of humanity done by these heroes." The tweet has since been deleted.

According to The News Minute, the showcause notice was issued presumably over Mohsin's usage of the phrase "Godi media". The notice said, "The adverse coverage this tweet has got in the media has been taken note of seriously by the government, given the serious nature of Covid-19 and the sensitivities involved."

The News Minute said: "The government has sought a written explanation from the officer within five days for violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. It warned of action against Mohsin as per the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 if he fails to submit his reply before the deadline."

Mohsin also confirmed to the publication that he received the showcause notice and that he will be sending a reply soon.

Mohsin was in the news last year when he was suspended by the Election Commission for allegedly inspecting Prime Minister Modi's helicopter in violation of protocol. Protocol dictates that Special Protection Group protectees are exempted from checking.