Judicial officers must comply with ethical standards in public behavior and avoid privileges that compromise public trust.

CORAM: HONOURABLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE and HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH KUMAR VERMA ORAL ORDER (Per: HONOURABLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE)

4 09-12-2025 The present writ application has been filed in the form of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for the following reliefs:

“(a) For a direction upon the Respondent Authorities to strictly enforce the circular dated

15.02.2019 prohibiting judicial officers of the subordinate judiciary from displaying name plates, placards, or designations on private vehicles, and to initiate disciplinary action against violators.

(b) For a direction to the Traffic Authorities (Respondents No. 5 and 6) to ensure uniform application of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 , and traffic/parking rules to vehicles owned by judicial officers, without any exemptions based on displayed designations, and to take immediate action on constant violations.

(c) For issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the Respondents to conduct awareness programs or issue fresh reminders through the Bihar Judicial Academy to reinforce judicial ethics, humility, and adherence to codes of conduct, preventing misuse of power that erodes public trust in the judiciary.

(d) To pass any other order/orders in shape of a consequential relief to which the petitioner may be found to be legally entitled to in the facts and circumstances of the instant case at hand.”

2. It may be pertinent to take note of the counter affidavit filed on behalf of Respondent Nos.2 and 3. The following statements have been made in paragraph nos.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the said counter affidavit:-

“5. That it is needful to state that the Hon'ble Apex Court in writ petition (Civil) No. 643 of

2015 has directed "The judicial officers shall be permitted to exhibit a sticker at their option on the lower left side or the windscreen with inscription 'Judge' printed in moderately seized letters".

6. That the Law Department vide Letter No. 2498 dated 12.04.2024 has informed the Transport Department regarding the use of the sticker 'Judge' on the private vehicles and for needful action in the matter. Further, the Memo No. 3968 dated 12.04.2024 issued by the Finance Department along with provision made under Para 3(v) (f) of the Resolution contained in Letter No. 2140 dated 28.02.2024 has also been sent along with the said Letter No. 2498 dated 12.04.2024.

7. That the Secretary, Transport Department, Bihar, Patna vide Letter No. 8316 dated 12.06.2024 has requested the Secretary-cum- Legal Remembrancer, Law Department, Bihar that in light of the order passed by the Hon'ble Apex Court, the Finance Department has made provision under Para-3(v)(f) of Resolution No. 2140 dated 28.02.2024 and that necessary guidelines shall be issued to the Transport Department in this regard. The design of the sticker has been made and approved by the Hon'ble Minister, Transport Department and NOC has been issued by the Finance Department. It has been suggested to take approval from the Law Department/Hon'ble Patna High Court. Thus, request has been made to give consent in the matter.

8. That the Law Department vide Letter No. 3832 dated 19.06.2024 has requested the Registrar General, Hon'ble Patna High Court for taking consent/direction from the Hon'ble Court regarding the sticker design of 'JUDGE' received from the Transport Department so that further action is taken in this regard.

9. That the Registrar General, Hon'ble Patna High Court vide Memo No. 57560, dated 23.07.2024 has informed the Secretary, Law Department, Government of Bihar that the sticker design of 'JUDGE' which shall be displayed on the vehicles of the Judicial Officers has been approved with certain modifications by the Hon'ble Court. The manner and the size of the