Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Allahabad High Court Criticizes 'Honourable' Prefix for Bureaucrats
The Allahabad High Court in India said that using the word 'Honourable' before the names of government officials is not right.
They think this word should only be used for ministers and important leaders, not for regular government workers.
The court told the government to explain why they were using this word for officials.
They also mentioned that a similar issue was raised in an earlier case.
The court wants to make sure that only the right people are called 'Honourable' to keep the respect for the courts and other important authorities.
Allahabad High Court criticized the trend of using 'Honourable' prefix for bureaucrats and state officials.
The court stated that the prefix should only be used for ministers and sovereign functionaries.
The observation was made during a writ petition hearing for quashing an FIR in a criminal case.
The court referred to an earlier order in Krishn Gopal Rathore v. State of UP where similar concerns were raised.
The Principal Secretary of the Department of State Taxes was directed to file a personal affidavit explaining the authority for using the prefix.
- Who
- Allahabad High Court (Justices Ajay Bhanot and Garima Prashad)
- What
- Criticized the use of 'Honourable' prefix for bureaucrats
- When
- During a writ petition hearing
- Where
- Allahabad High Court, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To maintain the status of constitutional authorities and courts
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Judges
- Justices Ajay Bhanot and Garima Prashad
- Issue
- Use of 'Honourable' prefix for bureaucrats
- Applicable Officials
- Hon'ble ministers and other sovereign functionaries
- Case Reference
- Krishn Gopal Rathore v. State of UP
- Action Required
- Principal Secretary to file personal affidavit