Allahabad HC raps registry staff for using saliva on court papers

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has reprimanded registry officials and clerks for using saliva to turn the pages of files and court documents.

Justice Shree Prakash Singh observed that since the morning of September 22, more than 10 petitions and applications were found to be carrying reddish saliva stains. The court noted that the marks had likely been left while turning over pages before placing them on record.

“Possibility of using it at certain level, like the stage of filing of paper book/petitions/applications, either by the Clerk, Oath Commissioner or the Officers/Officials, who are dealing with the matter in the Registry and in the Office of G.A. and C.S.C. This is an highly unhygienic situation, which is not only disgusting and condemnable, but at the same time it shows the lack of basic civic sense,” Justice Singh said.

He added that if such practices were not restrained, they could spread infections to those handling the documents, and therefore “this is not tolerable at any cost”.

The court directed the Senior Registrar and Registry officials to carefully examine all filings and ensure that no petition, application, or paper book bearing saliva marks is entertained.

“The Government Advocate and Chief Standing Counsel are also directed to ensure the above said direction, while issuing written directions for restraining such practice, at their Office,” the order stated.