High Court Orders Strict Compliance With Office Timings in Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh District Judiciary | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed strict adherence to office timing by officers and officials of the District Judiciary across the two Union Territories, warning that violations will attract action under relevant legal provisions.

The directions were issued through Circular No. 10 of 2026/RG/NG-382(I), dated April 22, 2026, by Registrar General MK Sharma following observations that some officers and officials were not complying with office timings prescribed under High Court Order No. 1638/NG dated May 22, 2020, and were discharging duties in a casual manner.

The High Court said it had come to notice that some officials were leaving offices while Presiding Officers were still in court, affecting speedy disposal of official work and amounting to non-compliance with earlier instructions issued from time to time.

To enforce punctuality and accountability, the circular directed all officers and officials to strictly observe prescribed office hours, prohibited late arrival and early departure without permission, and barred staff from leaving their seats or offices during working hours without prior approval from the Controlling Officer.

The circular also instructed Controlling Officers to ensure official business does not suffer and duties are performed diligently. It said any violation of the instructions would be viewed seriously and action would be taken against defaulting officials under relevant provisions of law.

Copies of the circular have been forwarded to the Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, Registrar Vigilance, Director JK Judicial Academy, Member Secretary JK Legal Services Authority and Registrar Inspection for information and compliance.