No Social Media During Court Hours, Chief Justice Warns Judges

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has issued a stern warning to judges of the subordinate courts regarding the use of social media platforms, including Facebook, stating that there is no scope whatsoever for using social media during official court hours. He cautioned that if any judge is found to have used social media during working hours and evidence is produced, that day would mark the end of the judge’s judicial career.

The warning was delivered on Tuesday, December 30, during an address to district and sessions judges, metropolitan sessions judges, chief judicial magistrates, and chief metropolitan magistrates from across the country. The event was held at the Supreme Court Auditorium.

In his address, the Chief Justice also issued directives on maintaining a proper court environment, delivering orders and verdicts within the shortest possible time, upholding integrity, and taking necessary steps to prevent the entry of unauthorized individuals into courtrooms.

Addressing judges at various levels of the subordinate judiciary, he reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, stating that there is no room for irregularities or corrupt practices while sitting on the bench. Judges, he said, must perform their duties with honesty and dedication, adding that no compromise would be made on matters of integrity. Any judicial officer found guilty of corruption or misconduct would have to pay a heavy price.

Emphasizing timely delivery of judgments, the Chief Justice instructed judges to publish verdicts within three to seven days of hearing and disposing of cases. He noted that delays in delivering judgments often require a fresh review of case records, resulting in wastage of time and increased suffering for litigants. Therefore, no delay in issuing orders or judgments is desirable, he said, stressing the need for full and proper use of court working hours.

The Chief Justice also directed judges to ensure cleanliness and discipline within court premises and courtrooms. He instructed that no one other than lawyers and litigating parties should be allowed to enter courtrooms and emphasized keeping courts free from outsiders. He noted that vendors selling peanuts, tea, coconuts, and other hawkers are often seen in court premises and made it clear that they must not be allowed entry. Judges were also asked to ensure that lawyers strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code.

On December 23, the President appointed Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, the senior-most judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, as the country’s 26th Chief Justice, exercising powers under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. The following day, on December 28, the President administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chief Justice at Bangabhaban. The address to subordinate court judges was organized shortly after his assumption of office.

DBTech/MUM/EK/OR