Maharashtra Govt Revises Protocol, Officials No Longer Required To Greet Convicted Or Investigated Lawmakers

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 15:47 IST

The government said officials should treat these representatives like ordinary citizens without giving any special protocol or privilege.

The Maharashtra government has changed its protocol rules for officials, stating that they will no longer be required to stand up or greet legislators or Members of Parliament who have been convicted, are under investigation, or are present for election related proceedings in government offices.

According to a report by Indian Express, a decision was issued through a Government Resolution (GR) on Tuesday, amending earlier guidelines dated November 20, 2025, which had made it compulsory for officials to stand and greet elected representatives during meetings and on their arrival or departure.

As per the revised order issued on April 28, 2026, officials will not follow the earlier protocol in specific cases. The GR clearly states, “If an elected representative has been convicted in a criminal or other case, or if they have been summoned as an appellant or a party for an inquiry/hearing, or if they are present in a government office for election-related processes (such as filing nomination papers, scrutiny, or hearings), officials are not required to stand up or greet the Member of the Legislative Assembly / Parliament upon their arrival or departure."

The government has said that in such situations, officials should treat these representatives like ordinary citizens, without giving any special protocol or privilege, and strictly follow the law and rules in force.

The amendment was signed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggrawal. It comes after earlier instructions issued in November 2025, which had directed officials to show respect by standing up and greeting elected representatives when they enter or leave meetings.

Those earlier guidelines stated, “Officials should rise and greet Members of the Legislative Assembly / Parliament when they arrive for a meeting and when they depart after the meeting concludes."

A senior official from the General Administration Department said the change has been made to ensure fairness and neutrality in official conduct. The official explained that giving formal courtesies to individuals under investigation could create an impression of bias.

“It is important that the government officials behave in an impartial manner. Standing up for those who are being summoned for inquiry would naturally mean that the official is being overtly courteous to the other side which could impact the outcome of the hearing. As a result we have decided to amend the original guidelines," the official said.

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