The District and Sessions Judge of Surat Court has implemented a strict ban on mobile phone usage for court staff during working hours to enhance focus and streamline operations. A circular issued on May 15 mandates all employees to surrender their phones to court authorities, aiming to ensure uninterrupted court proceedings.
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Gujarat: The District and Sessions Judge of the Surat Court has instituted a comprehensive ban on the use of mobile phones by court staff during working hours. This directive aims to eliminate distractions and ensure smooth court operations.
On May 15, a circular was issued by the Surat Court, mandating that all employees working within the court building and its associated branches must surrender their mobile phones to the court registrar or their respective department heads during office hours. This measure applies to all court personnel without exception.
The circular cites a previous warning issued by the High Court, emphasizing that the use of mobile phones by staff during working hours had already been prohibited. The High Court’s letter highlighted the negative impact of phone usage on court proceedings and the overall quality of work.
The circular noted-
“The prohibition on phone usage was exempted for office-related tasks and under certain special circumstances.”
Despite these exemptions, it was observed that some court employees continued to use their mobile phones during office hours, leading to disruptions in court activities.
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Consequently, the District Judge reinforced the directive, requiring court staff to hand over their phones during working hours to ensure compliance.
The circular stressed that-
“The court registrars and branch heads would be responsible for implementing and enforcing this ban.”
making them accountable for the implementation of the new rules.
Additionally, the circular instructed the presiding officers of the courts to ensure that these instructions are clearly communicated to the staff.
“The presiding officers of the courts have also been directed to ensure that they communicate necessary instructions to the staff to ensure strict compliance with the circular.”
-it stated.
This stringent measure emphasizes the court’s commitment to maintaining a distraction-free environment, thereby enhancing the efficacy of court proceedings. By relinquishing their mobile phones, court staff will be better able to focus on their duties, contributing to the efficient administration of justice.
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The initiative reflects a broader effort within the judiciary to uphold professionalism and streamline court operations. The District and Sessions Judge’s directive serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established protocols to ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system.