The Telangana High Court issued a cautionary notice to judges serving in district courts regarding adherence to office timings, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance. The court expressed concerns about numerous instances where such adherence was lacking and cautioned that disciplinary measures may be taken if this trend persists.

In an administrative circular, the High Court highlighted instances where presiding officers in the district judiciary were arriving late to their courtrooms, departing before 5 PM, and even during the designated lunch recess.

Additionally, the circular emphasized that judicial officers often leave the court headquarters without obtaining permission from the High Court. Despite the issuance of approximately 15 circulars between 1992 and 2022 urging strict adherence to court hours, this practice persists.

“Despite issuance of circular instructions in the reference 1 to 15 ..., regarding observance of office timings and punctuality in holding public courts from 10.30 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. with lunch recess from 2.00 PM to 2.30 PM, it has come to the notice of the High Court that many of the Presiding Officers in District Judiciary are not strictly following the office timings and attending the Bench late, leaving for their residence during lunch recess and also leaving the court premises before 5.00 PM or frequently leaving the Head Quarters without permission of the Hon’ble High Court,” the High Court said in the circular.

The circular further highlighted that the failure to observe working hours results in indiscipline, a reduction in the rate of case disposal, and negatively impacts the qualitative and quantitative performance of judicial officers.

Further,  the High Court emphasized that all judicial officers must strictly adhere to court timings, provide dedicated service, and conduct all judicial duties while on the bench during court hours.

The High Court issued a stern warning that instances of instruction violations will be taken seriously and may result in the initiation of disciplinary action against the officers involved.