New Delhi - The Bar Council of India has decided that the old practice of addressing Judges as ‘My Lord’ or ‘Your Lordship’ should be replaced with ‘Your Honour’. Since we are a free country and to continue the old colonial practice of addressing Judges as ‘My Lord’ or ‘Your Lordship’, hurt our culture.

The BCI has, therefore, directed all lawyers in the country to shun the old practice and adopt a new address as ‘Your Honour’ as per the status of the court. The lawyers address the Judges as ‘Sir’ in the lower courts and tribunal courts, for which there is no change, and now they can address the Higher Court with ‘Your Honour’ as per the new resolution of the BCI.

The Chief Justice of India Y.K. Sabharwal has welcomed the move and said:

"We welcome this proposal. It is not that we are against it. We will be happy if the decision is implemented. At the same time, it will be very difficult for the lawyers to adjust themselves to this proposal."

Supreme Court Bar Association president P.H. Parekh said though the new rule should be implemented it could only be recommendatory as it would take some time for the lawyers to follow it.

The BCI has framed a rule under Section 49 (1) (i) to this effect and the resolution has been sent to the State Bar Councils and various Bar associations to be circulated to the courts.

The rule has been framed consistent with the obligation of the Bar to show a respectful attitude towards the court and bearing in mind the dignity of judicial office. The rule will come into force from the date of publication in the official gazette.