Supreme Court Slams UP Govt for Colonial-Era Practice of Granting Ex-Officio Posts to Bureaucrats’ Spouses

The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh Government to repeal the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and introduce a new law eliminating ex officio posts for bureaucrats and their spouses.

The case arose from a Bulandshahr-based society working for destitute women, where the District Magistrate’s wife held the post of ex officio President.

The Court said such colonial-era provisions undermine democratic functioning and ordered the State to introduce a new Bill in the Assembly within two months,and ensure its prompt assent and notification.

Meanwhile, the Court allowed the society’s elected members to carry out statutory functions.

[CM Zila Mahila Samiti v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.]