Kerala Government Mandates ‘Bahu’ Prefix for Chief Minister and Ministers in Official Communications

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has issued a circular instructing all government officials to use the prefix ‘Bahu’ (Honourable) before the names of the Chief Minister and other ministers in all official communications. This directive, issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms, mandates the use of ‘Bahu’ in correspondence and responses to public complaints and petitions.

The circular, which was released on the 30th of last month, explicitly states that when examining petitions and complaints submitted by the public to the Chief Minister and Ministers, and subsequently responding from the concerned offices, the respectful terms ‘Bahu. Chief Minister’ and ‘Bahu. Minister’ must be recorded.

This instruction has sparked controversy and criticism, as it appears ironic given that Article 18 of the Constitution abolishes all titles except military and academic distinctions. Critics argue that the framers of the Constitution envisioned leaders earning respect and honour through their service, not through mandatory honorifics. The new directive, they contend, creates an impression that grievances will only be addressed after respect is compulsorily shown.

Furthermore, this move by the state government stands in stark contrast to the judiciary’s efforts to shed colonial-era honorifics. In 2009, Justice K. Chandru of the Madras High Court prohibited the use of ‘Your Lordship’. The Bar Council of India has also recommended using respectful but simpler terms like ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ to address judges and magistrates. In 2019, judges of the Rajasthan High Court decided to completely abandon terms such as ‘My Lord’ and ‘Your Lordship’ to align with constitutional equality. Even Supreme Court judges have publicly expressed their discomfort with such honorifics. The state government’s directive is being viewed as a retrogressive step, with dissent also noted among officials regarding the necessity of using such honorifics even when referring to ministers in the third person in routine replies to citizens.