The Chittur-Thattamangalam municipality in Kerala has become the first local body in India to abolish honorific titles like 'respected' and 'honourable' when addressing officials. Municipal chairperson Sumesh Achuthan stated the decision aims to eliminate hierarchy and ensure equality, emphasizing that public servants serve the people and do not demand respect. This move, the first by the newly elected council, is seen by rights activists as a step towards removing colonial-era relics and promoting human dignity.