Punjab and Haryana High Court: Doctors Need Not Stand for MLAs in Hospitals
Court says respect must be earned through service, not enforced by protocol
Verdict reinforces dignity of medical professionals and limits misuse of political privilege
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 22, 2025:
In a landmark judgment delivered on 21 November 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court clarified that doctors working in government hospitals are not required to rise or stand up when a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) enters the premises. The Court held that respect for elected representatives must be earned through their conduct and service to the people, not enforced through protocol or coercion.
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The ruling came after a petition was filed challenging an incident where a doctor was allegedly pressured to stand up in respect when an MLA visited a hospital. The Court’s decision has been widely welcomed by medical professionals across the country, who see it as a recognition of their dignity and independence.
Background of the Case
The controversy began when a government doctor in Haryana was reprimanded for not rising when an MLA entered the hospital ward. The incident sparked debate about whether doctors and other public servants are legally bound to show such gestures of respect.
The matter reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the petitioner argued that forcing doctors to stand undermines their professional dignity and distracts them from their primary duty of patient care. The MLA’s counsel argued that elected representatives deserve respect as a matter of protocol.
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A Bench led by Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi examined whether such enforced gestures were legally justified.
Key Observations of the Court
- No legal requirement: The Court ruled that there is no law or regulation requiring doctors to rise when an MLA enters a hospital.
- Respect must be voluntary: Respect for elected representatives must come from genuine regard, not forced gestures.
- Doctors’ dignity protected: Medical professionals must be allowed to perform their duties without unnecessary interruptions or pressures.
- Public service is paramount: The Court emphasised that doctors serve the public directly, and their focus must remain on patient care.
- Equality principle: The ruling reinforced that elected representatives are not above ordinary citizens in matters of protocol.
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Why This Matters
This ruling is significant because it addresses the balance between political privilege and professional dignity. By clarifying that doctors are not required to stand for MLAs, the Court has reinforced the principle that public servants must be treated with respect for their work, not subordinated to political authority.
Impact on Doctors
- Greater independence: Doctors can now focus on patient care without worrying about political protocol.
- Dignity reinforced: The ruling recognises the professional dignity of medical practitioners.
- Reduced harassment: Prevents misuse of political power to intimidate or humiliate doctors.
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Impact on MLAs and Public Servants
- Respect earned, not demanded: MLAs must earn respect through service and conduct.
- Limits on privilege: Reinforces that elected representatives cannot misuse their position to demand gestures of respect.
- Equality before law: Ensures that public servants are not treated as subordinates to politicians.
Expert Reactions
Legal experts hailed the judgment as a progressive step in protecting professional dignity.
- Senior advocates noted that the ruling reinforces constitutional equality.
- Medical associations welcomed the decision, saying it will reduce political interference in hospitals.
- Civil society groups praised the Court for upholding democratic values and limiting misuse of privilege.
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Broader Context
India’s Constitution guarantees equality before law under Article 14. While elected representatives hold important positions, they are not entitled to privileges that undermine the dignity of other professionals.
The ruling builds on earlier judgments where courts emphasised that respect must be voluntary and cannot be enforced by law. It also aligns with global democratic principles, where public servants are recognised for their service rather than subordinated to political authority.
Conclusion
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling that doctors need not stand for MLAs in hospitals is a landmark in reinforcing professional dignity and limiting misuse of political privilege. By clarifying that respect must be earned, not demanded, the Court has ensured that medical professionals can focus on their primary duty — saving lives and serving patients.
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This verdict strengthens democratic values, promotes equality before law, and protects the dignity of India’s healthcare workers. It marks a decisive step towards fairness and justice in the relationship between politicians and public servants.
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