In two separate circulars issued by District and Sessions Judge (Headquarters) Talwant Singh, the staff of the six District Courts in Delhi have been told to stick to a dress code and use their mobile phones during work hours only if there is an emergency.
Taking note of surveys regarding increasing number of employees using the Internet on their mobile phones to surf and use social media during work hours, the Judge issued a circular asking the staff of the District Courts to refrain from such activity or face action.
“Some staff members have been using mobile phones for Internet surfing, WhatsApp/Facebook updation during work hours. Mobile phones are to be used during work hours only in an emergency to talk to family members and not for checking WhatsApp/Facebook status,” said the circular.
“If any staff member is found surfing the Internet or using WhatsApp or Facebook during work hours, suitable departmental action shall be taken against him/her,” warned the circular.
‘Demoralising’
Reacting to the circular, a court staff rued: “Such orders are only to gag us and will further demoralise the staff”.
In another circular, the senior-most Judge directed the staff to dress appropriately rather than turning up to work in casual wear. “It has come to notice that despite specific instructions issued by the office, some officials do not adhere to the proper dress code,” said the circular.
Proper attire
Directing all staff members to strictly adhere to the dress code, the circular said that proper attire for the male staff is a “decent shirt (preferably plain), trouser and shoes” while for female staff it is a “saree or suit with dupatta”.
