Allahabad HC questions calling bureaucrats 'Honourable'
The Allahabad High Court has asked the UP revenue department's top official to explain—through a personal affidavit—why bureaucrats are being called "Honorable" in official documents.
This comes after a citizen, Yogesh Sharma, challenged the use of titles like "Hon'ble Additional Commissioner, Appeal."
The court will look at the matter again on December 19.
Why does it matter?
The judges are concerned that giving state officials this title could blur lines and take away from the respect meant for constitutional authorities and courts.
They pointed out that "Honorable" is usually reserved for ministers or other sovereign functionaries—not bureaucrats or officials of the state government.
With this trend popping up more in official letters lately, the court wants clarity on whether there's any real rule behind it or if address norms need to be set straight.