Allahabad High Court Questions Misuse of 'Honourable' Title for Bureaucrats

Court Directs UP State Officials to Clarify Legal Authority for Prefix Usage

In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court has raised concerns over the misuse of the prefix "Honourable" being appended to the designations of bureaucrats and officials within the State Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Division Bench, comprising Justices Ajay Bhanot and Garima Prashad, highlighted this issue while hearing the Criminal Miscellaneous Writ Petition No. 28869 of 2025, filed by petitioner Yogesh Sharma against the State of U.P. and others.

The Court observed a growing trend of state officials, ranging from the lowest to the highest ranks, being referred to with the prefix "Honourable" in official correspondences and orders. This practice, according to the bench, undermines the status of constitutional authorities and courts, as the term "Honourable" is traditionally reserved for Hon'ble Ministers and other sovereign functionaries.

In light of these observations, the Court has directed the Principal Secretary of the Department of State Taxes to submit a personal affidavit. This affidavit must disclose the legal authority under which an Additional Commissioner, Appeal, is referred to as "Hon'ble Additional Commissioner, Appeal." The Court emphasized that unless justified by law, such usage is inappropriate and diminishes the respect accorded to constitutional roles.

The judgment referenced a prior order by a Single Judge of the Allahabad High Court in the case of Krishn Gopal Rathore v. State of U.P. (Writ A No. 13930 of 2024), which similarly called attention to the unwarranted use of "Honourable" for state officials. In that instance, the Divisional Commissioner of Kanpur was referred to as "Honourable Commissioner" by the Collector of Etawah, prompting judicial scrutiny.

The Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 19, 2025, urging the state officials to clarify if any protocol exists regarding the entitlement of state bureaucrats to use the prefix "Honourable."

This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining the sanctity and appropriate usage of titles, ensuring they reflect true constitutional and sovereign functions.

Bottom Line:

Use of the prefix "Honourable" should be limited to Hon'ble Ministers and other sovereign functionaries, not to bureaucrats or officials of the State Government.

Statutory provision(s): The judgment does not specifically cite statutory provisions but refers to principles of administrative law concerning protocol and usage of official titles.

Yogesh Sharma v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2823383