Allahabad High Court Denies Request to Stop Civil Court Workers from Working at Judges’ Homes.
The Allahabad High Court has recently dismissed a petition from the Anjuman Himayat Chaparsian Sangh, U.P. (Nyay Bhibhag). The petition claimed that Class IV employees at civil courts were being compelled to serve as domestic workers for judicial officers. The association sought a court order to prevent judicial officers from requiring these employees to perform personal tasks outside of official hours. Justice Alok Mathur noted that the association’s rules aim to improve service conditions but do not allow for legal action on behalf of its members.
Advocate Anil Kumar Pandey represented the petitioners, while C.S.C. Gaurav Mehrotra represented the respondents. The association consists of Class IV employees in U.P. civil courts and focuses on addressing their service-related grievances. The service conditions and salaries for these employees are regulated by the Uttar Pradesh District Court Service Rules, 2013. The association argued that its members were being forced to work at the homes of judicial officers.
The High Court’s counsel raised an initial concern about whether the writ petition could proceed. It was argued that if any member felt compelled to work at a judicial officer’s residence, they should raise their concerns individually.
The Bench observed that the Counsel for the petitioner acknowledged that those affected by being compelled to work at the homes of judicial officers are not unable to seek help from any appropriate court or forum for their issues. Upon reviewing the bye-laws, the Bench found that they do not allow the Association to initiate legal action on behalf of its members. The Bench stated that without such authorization, the current writ petition cannot proceed under the bye-laws. Therefore, it was evident that while the petitioner claims to act in public interest, this cannot be maintained for the benefit of its members.
The Petitioner’s Counsel could not explain why judicial officers could not receive help from staff, especially since tasks like writing judgments and reviewing files occur at a judge’s home. The Bench also noted the Respondent’s point that class IV employees transport files from the courts to the judges’ homes and assist in delivering justice, which does not constitute forced labor. Considering these arguments and the relevant facts and laws, the Bench dismissed the Petition.
Cause Title: Anjuman Himayat Chaprasian Sangh U.P. Thru. Its Provincial Chairman Brij Kishor Sharma v. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Deptt. Of Law (Neutral Citation: 2025:AHC-LKO:8569)
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate Anil Kumar Pandey
Respondents:C.S.C. Gaurav Mehrotra
