Rajasthan HC restrains use of social media by staff

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan high court has asked judicial officers and court staff to use social media ‘responsibly’ and refrain from commenting against policies of the government or the high court administration on any platform.
The standing order issued by the registrar general said, it has been observed that the judicial officers and the court staff are accessing social media during office hours, which is not only affecting the working, but also diminishing the dignity and reputation of the entire system.
The order said, “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… The policies of the government and the high court administration are also being commented upon.” The order said the official communications are also being forwarded in an unauthorized way on social media platforms which amounts to breach of official confidentiality.
The order warned that this practice tantamount to misconduct under the provisions of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1971 and attracts disciplinary action.
The registrar general asked the judicial officers and the court staff of the high court and the subordinate courts /tribunals/special courts, to make use of the internet and social media responsibly and also to desist from forwarding, liking, disliking and commenting upon any posts which are against the policies of the government and high court administration.
No official communication should be forwarded on social media by the judicial officers and the staff except when it is required by them as part of bonafide discharge of their official duty.