The Allahabad High Court has issued a clear directive to judicial officers across Uttar Pradesh — keep the courtroom language clean.
Justice Harvir Singh, while hearing Santreepa Devi v. State of UP and Others, expressed concern that a Special Judge under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act had reproduced abusive and indecent words in both an order and a witness statement. The High Court deemed this practice “unwarranted and inappropriate.”
In a strongly worded observation, the judge noted that both the Supreme Court and High Courts have repeatedly emphasized the use of “decent and normal language” in judicial documents. “The decorum and dignity of the post must reflect in the language used in judicial orders,” Justice Singh stated, cautioning officers to maintain the sanctity of their words.
The Court directed that its order be circulated among all judicial officers in the state to ensure strict adherence. “This order is being passed in the positivity of things and not to be construed in negativity,” the judge added.
The directive came during the hearing of a revision plea against the dismissal of a criminal complaint involving an alleged assault and snatching incident. Upholding the trial court’s decision, the High Court found no substantial evidence to support the charges, noting inconsistencies in witness statements and the absence of proof linking the injuries to the accused.
Advocate Rajiv Chowdhury appeared for the petitioner.
