Rajasthan HC warns Judicial staff and Court Officials against use of social media during official hours

The Rajasthan High Court observed that the Court staff indulged in the use of social media during official hours that affected the dignity and reputation of the entire system. According to the Court, instructions that were issued vide a Circular dated January 31, 2018 were not being scrupulously followed and the Judicial Officers and the Court staff accessed social media during office hours.

Therefore, on June 15, 2020, the Court passed an order that warned the officials of strict disciplinary action for non-compliance of the Court’s order. The Court has also cautioned all the Judicial Officers and the Court staff of the Hon’ble High Court and the Subordinate Courts/Tribunals Special Courts to refrain from forwarding, liking, disliking and commenting upon any posts which are against the policies of the Government/High Court Administration.

The Order read, “It has been observed that the Judicial Officers and the Court staff are forwarding, liking, disliking and commenting upon the posts which are not only scandalous and derogatory but sensational also. They express opinion in social media on the matters to which they have no concern whatsoever. The policies of the Government and the High Court Administration are also being commented upon. Besides it, the official communications are also being forwarded unauthorizedly on social media platforms which amount to a breach of official confidentiality. This practice tantamounts to misconduct under the provisions of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1971 and attracts suitable disciplinary action.”

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