'Don't Indulge In Criticising Judiciary': Kerala HC's Social Media Policy For Officers, Staff

The Code of Conduct also directs them “to not indulge in criticizing case laws and judgments of the courts, Judges or judicial system to scandalise them in social media”.

Kerala High Court | PTI File Image

With social media becoming a thing that cannot be ignored from mainstream conversations pertaining to personal and professional matters, Kerala High Court has taken an initiative to regulate its usage for its employees.  

The court has introduced a Code of Conduct for its officers and staff members regulating their involvement and intervention on public platforms.

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As per a report by Bar and Bench, the Code of Conduct directs them “to not indulge in criticizing case laws and judgments of the courts, Judges or judicial system to scandalise them in social media”.

They have also been directed not to use filthy, derogatory insinuating, or discriminatory language on their social handles. As per the Code of Conduct, the High Court will also have a Monitoring Cell to report on misuse of social media platforms.

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Directing all the staff members to declare their e-mail addresses and internet social media accounts maintained by them, the Code of Conduct asks them to refrain from using any fake ID - addresses or accounts.

All staff members have been directed to not access prohibited sites during working hours and to not indulge in exchange of communication of personal matters on official sites.

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As per the Code of Conduct, the staff members shall not publish any proceedings, official actions, records, or data from the office files in social media or publish blogs on any matters in social media without the High Court’s prior permission.

They also have been directed not to use mobile phones, tablets, electronic gadgets, etc. for computing, data hacking, or any other illegal activities.