The Patna High Court has sought a response from the state government and its own administration regarding the alleged widespread use of nameplates and boards on private vehicles by judicial officers of the state’s lower courts. A division bench, led by Chief Justice P. B. Bajanthri, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that claims this practice is in direct violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and a previous order of the High Court itself.
The PIL was filed by law student Keshav Kumar Jha, who was represented by Advocate Prafull Kumar Jha. The petitioner submitted to the court that judicial officers at all levels of the subordinate judiciary in the state are affixing nameplates or boards identifying themselves as judges on their personal vehicles.
The counsel argued that this practice is not only a contravention of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but also amounts to contempt of a High Court order. The petitioner brought to the court’s attention a letter/order issued by the High Court on February 15, 2019. This directive was sent to the Bihar Law Secretary, the Director of the Bihar Judicial Academy, the Chairman of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, and other relevant officials, instructing them to ensure its compliance.
The 2019 order explicitly mandated that no judicial officer should display any board or nameplate identifying them as a “Judge” or any similar designation on their private vehicles.
The petition alleges that despite this clear prohibition, judicial officers across the state continue to use such nameplates. It was further argued that this practice leads to a blatant disregard for traffic regulations, as police personnel are often hesitant to stop or penalize vehicles bearing these designations, even in cases of traffic violations.
After hearing the matter, the bench directed the High Court administration and the state government to file their replies. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the case for October 15, 2025, which is also the deadline for the submission of the responses.
