During work hours, no surfing, social media updates by court staff (India)

“If any staff member is found surfing internet, using WhatsApp or Facebook during working hours, suitable departmental action will be taken against him,” adds the circular.

A Delhi judge has cracked down on internet surfing and use of social media apps on phones by court staff during work hours, issuing directions to stop such activities or face “suitable” action.

“It has come to my notice that some staff members have been using mobile phones for
internet surfing, WhatsApp, Facebook updation during working hours. Mobile phones are to be used only in emergency to talk to family members during working hours and not for checking Facebook status/WhatsApp status during working hours,” states a circular issued by District and Sessions Judge (east), Talwant Singh.

“If any staff member is  found surfing internet, using WhatsApp or Facebook during working hours, suitable departmental action will be taken against him,” adds the circular.

Use of mobiles phones or other electronic gadgets inside courtrooms when proceedings are underway is banned. However, sources, said court staff are allowed to use phones during emergencies even during proceedings.

The circular has been sent to all judicial officers and administrative officers to “ensure strict compliance of the directions by their respective staff”.