Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a stern move aimed at enforcing discipline and ensuring smooth functioning of courts, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed all officers and officials of the District Judiciary in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh to strictly adhere to prescribed office timings, warning that any violation will be viewed seriously and dealt with under relevant provisions of law.
According to a circular issued by the Registrar General MK Sharma, some officers and officials were not following the office timings fixed earlier and were discharging their duties in a casual manner. The circular noted that in several instances, staff members were leaving their offices even while Presiding Officers were still in court, adversely affecting the speedy disposal of official business and amounting to non-compliance with earlier orders and circulars.
To tighten discipline, the High Court directed that all officers and officials must strictly follow the office timing prescribed vide High Court Order No. 1638/NG dated 22-05-2020. It further made it clear that no officer or official shall arrive late or leave early, and in no case shall anyone leave the office while the Presiding Officer remains in office, unless prior permission is obtained. The circular also bars officers and officials from leaving their chair or office during working hours without prior permission from the Controlling Officer.
The High Court has also placed responsibility on all Controlling Officers to ensure that every officer and official performs duties in a manner that official work does not suffer at any cost. Stressing strict compliance, the circular states that the instructions are to be followed meticulously and that any contravention shall invite serious action.
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