Why Do Indian Courts Still Use ‘My Lord’ And Shut For Vacations?

Should Indian courts continue colonial practices like calling judges “My Lord” or shutting down for vacations? A deep dive into reform and accountability.

Why Should Indian Courts Still Use ‘My Lord’ And Close For Vacations?

The Indian judicial system, one of the world’s largest, is often hailed as the guardian of democracy. Yet, it carries vestiges of colonial traditions — from addressing judges as “My Lord” to referring to petitions as “prayers,” and even the practice of long court vacations. These customs, deeply rooted in the British legacy, raise questions about relevance, accountability, and accessibility in today’s India. Should we continue to eulogise judges in this manner? Or is it time for meaningful reform?

About the Indian Judicial System

India’s judiciary is structured in three tiers: the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. It serves as the protector of constitutional rights, interpreter of law, and a check on the executive and legislature. However, despite this vital role, the system faces criticism for delays, case backlogs exceeding four crore, and traditions that appear outdated in a modern democracy.

The judiciary is admired for independence but questioned for elitism — long vacations, archaic rituals, and formalities that create distance from ordinary citizens.

Why ‘My Lord’ And ‘Prayer’ Sound Colonial

The phrases “My Lord” and “Your Lordship” are relics of British rule, when judges represented imperial power. Similarly, calling a petition a “prayer” reflects a feudal, deferential tone. In modern India, where equality is a constitutional promise, such terms appear incompatible. Many High Courts have already advised lawyers to avoid them, preferring “Sir” or “Your Honour.” Yet, cultural inertia keeps the practice alive.

Globally, most democracies use neutral language — “Judge,” “Justice,” or simply the person’s name with a title. India’s continued use of colonial honorifics widens the gap between judges and citizens.

Court Vacations: A Luxury Or Necessity?

One of the biggest criticisms of the judiciary is the concept of summer and winter vacations. While schools and universities follow such schedules, the idea of courts taking long breaks strikes many as unfair. Other critical departments — hospitals, police, banks — do not shut down collectively. Why should courts, which deal with urgent matters of justice, suspend operations for weeks?

Listen to Sanjeev Sanyal, IES, Economic Advisor to the PM.

The counter-argument is that judges handle immense workloads and need rest. However, with lakhs of cases pending, many argue that rotational leave, like other essential services, would be more appropriate.

Impact On Citizens And Investors

Delays in justice impact not only citizens but also businesses and investors. Contract enforcement, insolvency cases, and corporate disputes all hinge on timely judicial decisions. Archaic rituals and long closures contribute to bottlenecks, reducing confidence in India’s ease of doing business ranking.

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A justice system seen as slow or ceremonial risks deterring both domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors who demand efficiency and predictability.

Possible Reforms And Way Forward

Reform does not mean disrespecting the judiciary. Instead, it involves aligning the system with modern democratic values. Key reforms could include:

• Phasing out colonial honorifics like “My Lord.”
• Using clear, simple language in petitions instead of feudal terms like “prayer.”
• Ending collective court vacations and shifting to rotational leave.
• Introducing technological reforms for faster case hearings.
• Expanding judicial benches to reduce backlogs.

Modernization is not about undermining respect — it is about ensuring justice is timely, efficient, and accessible to every Indian.

Investor Takeaway

Judicial reforms directly influence investor confidence, corporate governance, and contract enforcement. India’s economic growth story cannot be isolated from its legal framework. By abandoning outdated traditions and reducing delays, the judiciary can improve both public trust and India’s global business image. Explore more perspectives on markets and governance at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.

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SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.

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