The Supreme Court strongly condemned the practice of bureaucrats’ wives occupying posts in societies within their husbands’ jurisdictions, calling it a relic of colonialism that must end immediately.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan made these observations while reviewing actions by the district magistrate of Bulandshahr, whose wife held the presidency of the Zila Mahila Samiti, a role historically tied to the DM’s spouse since 1957. In January 2020, the Samiti amended its bylaws to end this tradition, but the amendments were later invalidated by the deputy registrar based on an inquiry.
The SC questioned such entrenched practices, suggesting that individuals seeking leadership roles in such organizations should engage in politics and elections. Additional Solicitor General K M Natraj informed the court that the Uttar Pradesh government supported ending this colonial-era mindset.
The court directed the creation of model bylaws for societies, mandating compliance to retain their legal standing, and asked for the draft to be submitted within six weeks.
