The Hindu

Bangalore, Apr 20: It is official now. Judges of the High Courts and Supreme Court need not be addressed as "My Lord" but "Your Honour" will suffice. Another term, "This honourable court," can also be used during the court proceedings.

The change in the nomenclature was decided by the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) after the Bar Council of India (BCI) decided to change the way of addressing the judges. The State Bar Council Chairman Sadashiva Reddy said circulars would be issued to all district affiliates informing them about the change in the nomenclature.

He said the change in the manner of addressing the judges would come into effect immediately. He said the decision had been taken to end the "colonial hangover". He said no action would be taken against advocates who continue to address judges as "My lord."

After the BCI had decided to change the mode of addressing the judges, the State Bar Council had sent recommendations on the new salutations to the BCI.

The decision is a fallout of a petition filed before the Supreme Court seeking a direction to end the practice of addressing judges as "My Lord."

The Supreme Court had, however, said this was the prerogative of the Bar and the Bench could not take any decision on it.