Civil Servant Sues Indian Magazine For Calling Her ‘Eye Candy’

Smita Sabharwal, 38 (Picture CVR News/YouTube)

A senior Indian civil servant has announced she will sue a magazine for labelling her as ‘eye candy’.

Smita Sabharwal, 38 works in the office of the chief minister of southern Telangana state.

The Outlook magazine recently questioned her exact job role saying the following without naming her: ‘She makes a fashion statement with her lovely saris and serves as “eye candy” at meetings.’

This comment was accompanied by a cartoon portraying her walking down a catwalk with her political superiors ogling her.

She has stated the cartoon was in reference to a recent fashion show she attended in Hyderabad.

Ms Sabharwal told the BBC: ‘What disturbs me the most is the suggestion that a woman is able to rise in her career because of her beauty.

‘It is very demoralising for the thousands of women stepping out of their homes and making their career.

‘I have broken a glass ceiling, and clearly some people are not happy with it. My work is being undermined by some jealous elements and the lazy irresponsible attitude of the magazine.’

Outlook told the BBC they have not yet received legal notice from Ms Sabharwal.