Maharashtra issues protocol clarification: No more courtesy greeting for netas convicted or facing inquiry

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maha govt has clarified that officials are not required to extend customary courtesy greetings to elected representatives who have been convicted, are facing inquiries, or are visiting govt offices for legal or election-related matters.In a corrigendum issued on April 28, 2026, the general administration department (GAD) revised its Nov 20, 2025, circular that had directed officials to stand up and greet MLAs and MPs during office visits. The latest clarification creates key exceptions to the protocol. It states that officials need not offer "utthapan" (standing up as a mark of respect) when a public representative has been convicted in a criminal or other case, or is appearing before a govt office as an appellant or party for inquiry or hearing. The exemption also applies when legislators visit offices for election-related processes such as filing nominations, scrutiny, or hearings.Govt stressed that in such situations, people's representatives should be treated on par with ordinary citizens, with no preferential treatment. Officials have been instructed to act strictly in accordance with the law, rules, and prevailing circumstances.The move effectively withdraws a blanket courtesy requirement when legislators interact with the administration in a personal or legal capacity. The earlier circular had faced criticism for mandating uniform gestures of respect regardless of the nature of the visit."With the revised GR, the state has attempted to strike a balance between maintaining official decorum and upholding equality before the law," a senior IAS officer said, welcoming the move. The GAD reiterated that institutional respect for elected representatives remains intact but must not override legal propriety or due process when they appear as individuals in official proceedings.