The regulations clearly state “what to do and what not to do” for judiciary staff.[break]
The regulations strictly prohibit court staff from attending any function to be organized by plaintiffs or defendants, or influencing justices or judges through any means. They are also banned from working in favor of any political party. Judiciary staff are required to maintain neutrality in political conviction.
“The regulations will help boost transparency, impartiality and credibility in the entire judiciary,” said SC Assistant Spokesperson Hemanta Rawal, adding, “It will further help to make court staff more responsible toward justice seekers.”
As per the regulations, court staff are required to be unassuming, disciplined and transparent while performing their duties.
“Employees working in the courts must not involve themselves in any work other than court related during office hours,” reads the document, adding, “They are strictly prohibited from carrying out any personal or family related activity during office time.”
The regulations also ban them from using court equipment for personal benefit, leaking unauthorized official information and delivering speeches or expressing opinions regarding court proceedings without consent from authorized seniors.
However, they can disseminate their opinions and make speeches provided they have the consent of an officer concerned.
The code of conduct has a provision that requires every court staffer to maintain fairness in assignments. “Employees working in the courts are strictly prohibited from working for either side among justice seekers,” states the document, adding, “They must maintain a distance from possible nepotism, favoritism, pressure groups or from any kind of undue influence.”
The regulations also bar them from accepting gifts, charity or donations from any institution or individual with a case pending in court.
Court staff are also banned from giving any advice to any individual or institution that could influence court proceedings.
As per the code, officials working in courts are restricted from influencing the respective justice or judge by providing any information related to court cases.
Not running any business, wearing a uniform during office hours and conducting their duties in an effective and speedy manner are other requirements that judiciary staff will have to follow.
The eight-page document will formally come into implementation shortly after incorporating feedback. The document has been circulated to all court staffers. Assistant Spokesperson Rawal informed that the SC could incorporate more feedback in future.
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