JSC tightens leave procedures for judges

Any acting arrangements among Additional Magistrates or Additional District judges of lower courts on "mutual arrangement" to cover the leave period of judicial officers is barred with immediate effect, according to the new circular issued by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). 

The circular which was issued to address concerns raised regarding obtaining leave by judicial officers of lower courts stressed that any such acting arrangements "should be done and processed through the respective Head of the Department only. The new directive came into effect from today (1) onwards. 

Accordingly, any leave application by an Additional District Judge or Additional Magistrate needs to be forwarded to the JSC Secretariat as per the regulations issued along with the recommendation of the respective Head of the Department. 

The Commission said it is the responsibility of the Head of the department to forward all leave applications submitted by the judicial officers to its Secretariat without any delay.