Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the practice of using the title 'Honourable' before the names of government officials and bureaucrats, and has sought a personal affidavit from the Principal Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Department in this regard.
The Court has clarified that it is imperative to explain the legal justification for the use of this title. The order was given by a division bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Garima Prasad. The Court questioned under which law or protocol bureaucrats and state government officials, such as "Honourable Additional Commissioner (Appeal)," are addressed as 'Honourable'. The Court stated that such a practice appears to diminish the status of constitutional posts and the judiciary.
The Court also stated that the term 'Honourable' should only be used for ministers and other sovereign functionaries, not for bureaucrats. The Court has directed the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department to file an affidavit clarifying whether any prescribed protocol or rules exist for such officials.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on December 19, 2025.
