Madras HC Registry Issues Guidelines For Judicial Officers: Restrictions On Visits, Communication And Attire

The Madras High Court Registry has issued instructions to judicial officers across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, urging them to abstain from visiting the residences of High Court judges for purposes such as requesting transfers, promotions, or seeking other favors.

In a circular released by the Registrar General (in-charge), M Jothiraman, an extensive list of guidelines has been provided for judicial officers.

These guidelines explicitly discourage the practice of presenting shawls, mementos, bouquets, garlands, fruits, and other gifts to High Court judges. Additionally, the circular emphasizes that judicial officers should refrain from directly addressing any communication to High Court judges.

“The communications are to be addressed only to the Registry and the Registry will place such papers immediately before the Hon’ble Chief Justice / Hon’ble portfolio judges for necessary action,” the circular stated.

According to the circular, it is explicitly stated that judicial officers must absolutely refrain from leaving their courts during working hours to welcome or escort High Court judges during their visits to districts, airports, or train stations. Moreover, the circular instructs judicial officers not to position themselves or engage in waiting along the roadside on the outskirts of towns or cities with the intention of receiving visiting High Court judges.

“However, when the Hon’ble Judges of High Court make an official visit to any place by car, a responsible member of the staff shall receive the Hon’ble Judges at the outskirts of the town or city and guide the vehicle to ensure the safe arrival of the Hon’ble Judges at the place of accommodation without any inconvenience on the way,” it further reads.

Another instruction noted,

“There is no compulsion on the part of the Judicial pfficers to be present during the visit of Hon’ble Judges of High Courts, unless their presence is warranted officially or on courtesy call.”

Furthermore, it was requested that judicial officers refrain from wearing black coats and black ties outside of court premises. The Registrar-General also issued a directive to all Principal District Judges/District Judges/Head of Units, instructing them to distribute a copy of the code of conduct to all judicial officers working in their respective districts/units and ensure their meticulous adherence to it.