Mumbai: In a significant move, the Government of Maharashtra has instructed its officials not to rise from their seats to show courtesy to tainted MPs/MLAs or those facing inquiries.
Politicians who visit government officew for election-related work will not be accorded additional courtesy either.
A Government Resolution was issued by the state government on Tuesday, amending its previous directives dated November 20, 2025, which mandated officials to rise and greet the elected representatives when they arrive for a meeting and depart after its conclusion.
“If an elected representative has been convicted in a criminal or other case, or if they have been summoned as an appellant or a party for an inquiry/hearing, or if they are present in a government office for election-related processes (such as filing nomination papers, scrutiny, or hearings), officials are not required to stand up or greet the Member of the Legislative Assembly / Parliament upon their arrival or departure,” the amendment, introduced on April 28, 2026, statesd, as reported by The Indian Express.
Signed by chief secretary Rajesh Aggrawal, the GR stated that in such instances, the concerned officials are expected to treat the elected representatives like ordinary citizens, without any special protocol, in accordance with the law, rules, and the prevailing circumstances.
In November 2025, the then chief secretary Rajesh Kumar had issued guidelines for government officials to treat legislators or parliamentarians with respect and cordially.
“Officials should rise and greet Members of the Legislative Assembly/Parliament when they arrive for a meeting and when they depart after the meeting concludes,” the clause had mentioned.
The change has only been made with respect to convicted individuals and those who are facing inquiries, a senior official from the General Administration Department (GAD) said.
“It is important that the goverment officials behave in an impartial manner. Standing up for those who are being summoned for inquiry would naturally mean that the official is being overtly courteous to the other side which could impact the outcome of the hearing. As a result we have decided to amend the original guidelines,” the official stated.
