Calling Madhya Pradesh 'MP' Doesn't Change State's Name But Makes Identification Easier: High Court Junks PIL Against Use Of Acronym

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a PIL against use of acronyms M.P. or म.प्र. (in Hindi) to refer to the State, noting that the use of abbreviations does not change the name of the State. The bench remarked that use of such abbreviation rather makes identification easier. 

Emphasizing that abbreviations are shortened forms of words and phrases which are used to save time and space in writing and communication, the Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf observed;

"By mere use of abbreviation, the name of the State is not changed, rather it makes identification easier... We find no ground to entertain the petition. The petition is accordingly dismissed". 

The petitioner, Varinder Kumar Naswa, argued that the State of Madhya Pradesh is often addressed as the State of MP. It was further contended that about 90% of the people in spoken language and 80% in communications are using this abbreviation. 

The petitioner sought directions for the Union and State Governments to take steps to ensure that the name of the State of Madhya Pradesh is not referred to as M.P. or म.प्र. in all forms of usage correspondence. 

However, the bench noted that the petitioner failed to show any public interest involved in the petition. The bench further observed that abbreviations are an efficient form of communication and writing, saving time as well as space. 

"Abbreviation is an efficient form of writing and makes writing faster and more concise, specially in situations where speed is important. It is also at times used for space saving and clarity. At certain places abbreviations are a necessity for example in prescribing codes for States".   

The court also observed that even for official purposes, such as taxation, state codes are used to clarify, specify, and identify individual states.

"Abbreviations are used not only in India for representing States for example, Andhra Pradesh is known as A.P., Chandigarh as C.H., Haryana as H.R., Himachal Pradesh as H.P., Uttar Pradesh as U.P., Madhya Pradesh as MP. The abbreviations are also used across the world for example, United States of America is known as USA, United Kingdom as UK and so on", the court added. 

Accordingly, the court dismissed the petition. 

Case Title: Varinder Kumar Naswa v Union of India (WP-26142-2025)

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 167

For Union: Advocate Ishan Soni

Click here to read the Order