In a significant judicial intervention, the Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for continuing what it termed as a "colonial-era" practice of automatically appointing spouses of district magistrates to ex-officio positions in various societies.
Court Questions Undemocratic Appointments
The apex court bench raised fundamental questions about the legitimacy of such appointments in modern governance. "Why should the wife of a DM be the ex-officio president of such a society without any democratic process?" the bench pointedly asked during proceedings on November 25, 2025.
The judges observed that these long-standing arrangements had "no justification in modern governance" and represented outdated administrative practices that needed urgent review. The court's remarks came while hearing a case concerning appointment procedures in Uttar Pradesh.
Colonial Legacy Under Scrutiny
The practice of automatically designating bureaucrats' spouses to official positions dates back to British colonial administration in India. For decades, this tradition has continued in various states, with Uttar Pradesh being particularly noted for maintaining such conventions.
The Supreme Court emphasized that contemporary democratic principles require transparent and merit-based appointments rather than automatic positions based on marital status. The bench highlighted how such practices undermine the very foundation of democratic governance and equal opportunity.
Implications for Administrative Reforms
The court's strong observations are expected to trigger widespread administrative reforms across states that still follow similar colonial-era practices. Legal experts believe this intervention could mark a turning point in how ex-officio appointments are made in India.
The timing of the court's remarks is particularly significant as India continues to modernize its governance structures and eliminate outdated colonial practices. The Uttar Pradesh government is now expected to review and potentially overhaul its appointment procedures for various society positions.
This judicial scrutiny comes amid growing public demand for more transparent and accountable governance systems that reflect contemporary democratic values rather than colonial administrative legacies.
