Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has warned judges of the subordinate courts against using social media, including Facebook, during official working hours, saying there is absolutely no scope for such activity while on duty.
He said that if any judge is found to have used social media during court hours and evidence is obtained, that very day would mark the end of the judge’s judicial career.
The warning was issued while the chief justice was addressing district and sessions judges, metropolitan sessions judges, chief judicial magistrates, and chief metropolitan magistrates from across the country at the Supreme Court auditorium on Tuesday.
During the address, the chief justice instructed judges to ensure a proper courtroom environment, deliver orders and judgments as swiftly as possible, uphold integrity, and take necessary measures to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering courtrooms.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, he said there is no room for irregularities or corruption while presiding on the bench. Judges must perform their duties with honesty and dedication, and no leniency will be shown regarding integrity. If evidence of corruption or misconduct is found against any judicial officer, they will have to pay a heavy price, he warned.
Emphasizing the need for the prompt delivery of judgments, the chief justice directed judges to pronounce judgments within three to seven days after the completion of hearings and disposal of cases. He said delays require files to be reviewed again, leading to a waste of time and increased suffering for litigants. Therefore, no delay in delivering judgments or orders is desirable, and full utilization of court working hours is essential, he said.
The chief justice also instructed judges to maintain cleanliness and order in subordinate courts and court premises. He said only lawyers and parties to cases should be allowed inside courtrooms and that courts must be kept free from outsiders. Vendors selling peanuts, tea, and coconuts, as well as hawkers, are often seen within court premises, he noted, stressing that no permission should be given for their entry.
Judges were also asked to ensure that lawyers strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code.
On December 23, the president appointed senior Appellate Division judge Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury as the country’s 26th chief justice 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 swearing-in
