Officials told not to extend special courtesies in criminal or election related cases
The Maharashtra government has issued clear instructions to its administration that elected representatives convicted in criminal cases, or those appearing before authorities in connection with such cases, will no longer be entitled to official protocol or special courtesies.
In a clarification released by the General Administration Department, officials have been directed that they are not required to stand up or offer formal greetings to such individuals when they visit government offices. The order also applies when public representatives come for election-related procedures such as filing nomination papers, scrutiny of applications, or attending hearings.
Previously, guidelines required government officers to show formal respect to Members of Parliament and State Legislature, including standing up to greet them upon arrival and departure. However, the revised directive removes this requirement in cases where the individual has been convicted in a criminal matter or is present as a party in legal or administrative proceedings.
The government has emphasized that, in such situations, public representatives should be treated like ordinary citizens, without any preferential treatment. The move is aimed at discouraging VIP culture for individuals with criminal backgrounds and reinforcing the principle that all are equal before the law.
Officials have been instructed to act strictly in accordance with legal provisions and ensure impartial treatment in all such cases.
