Gujarat High Court pulls up trial court judges over punctuality, circular issued

The Gujarat High Court has once again taken serious note of trial court judges not arriving in court on time and failing to take their seats on the dais promptly.

After the issue resurfaced before the High Court, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal expressed strong displeasure over what she termed grave dereliction of duty by several lower court judges.

Acting on the Chief Justice’s directives, the High Court has issued another strict circular to all trial court judges and judicial officers, warning them to maintain punctuality and be present in court and on the dais at the scheduled time.

According to the circular, if judges continue to disregard court timings or fail to take their seats on the dais punctually, the High Court will take very serious note of such behaviour. It warns that disciplinary proceedings, including punitive action, may be initiated against judges who display negligence or laxity in performing their duties.

Reports reaching the High Court indicated that some judicial officers were not arriving on time, not taking their seats promptly even when present, leaving the dais before court hours ended, and in some cases, leaving for home early. Taking a stern view of these repeated complaints, Chief Justice Agarwal noted the issue as a serious lapse reflecting indifference towards judicial responsibility.

The circular issued by the Registrar General states that despite earlier warnings and repeated directions from the High Court, certain judicial officers continue to ignore timings. The High Court has therefore decided to monitor the issue with utmost seriousness.

Further, the Chief Justice has cautioned all concerned judicial officers that strict discipline regarding court working hours is mandatory. Trial court judges must be present in court and on the dais exactly on time.

Any failure to comply with the latest directive will be viewed gravely, and action—including disciplinary measures—will be taken against erring officers. The fresh circular has reportedly triggered an atmosphere of anxiety within the lower judiciary, especially among trial court judges and judicial officers.

Copies of the circular have been forwarded to all district courts, sessions courts, family courts, small causes courts, industrial courts, and other concerned judicial authorities, directing them to ensure strict compliance.

It is noteworthy that the High Court had earlier issued similar stern instructions when the same issue came to light. However, continued non-compliance has prompted the Chief Justice to intervene once again with renewed strictness and immediate enforcement orders.