Madras HC rules against use of mobile phones by Govt staff during office hours

Using a mobile phone for personal purposes during working hours is not a good practice, according to Justice SM Subramaniam, who made the observation while hearing a petition by a health department official against her suspension.

Following a ruling by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that government employees should not be permitted to use their mobile phones for personal reasons during working hours,

According to Justice Subramanian, it has become standard practice for government employees to use their mobile phones for personal purposes during working hours.

He said that if there was an emergency permission must be taken from the higher officials before the phone is used.

The court directed that in all circumstances, the mobile phones should be either switched off or in silent mode to prevent any discomfort to people who are approaching the government offices as well as other staff in the office while they were engaged in office work.

This is in addition to directing the State Government to draught regulations in this regard and to take action against any government employees who violate the rules.

In addition, it has directed the state government to submit a detailed report within four weeks of receiving it.

The court was hearing a petition filed by D.S. Radhika, a government employee from Tiruchi, challenged the suspension order issued against her for frequently using mobile phones during office hours and shooting videos of coworkers.