Kerala High Court has ordered all controlling officers to keep an eye on the employees and stop them from online gaming or social- media activity during office hours. It was apparently brought to the notice of the HC that work was being adversely affected because staff members were preoccupied watching social-media content or engrossed in their mobile phones playing games, streaming films or trading during working hours. This distraction was affecting their productivity.
An official memorandum has been issued by Gopakumar G, registrar general, which bans staff members from using mobile phones during duty hours and even during lunch break. However, the ban does not apply to senior officers who have been given mobile phones officially and chauffeurs. Violation of this order will invite serious action said the memorandum.
Earlier, in 2009 and again in 2013, the HC had imposed such a ban on the use of mobile phones during work hours. Only senior officers holding official mobile phones and chauffeurs were exempted.
The employees will be under CCTV surveillance, which it is hoped will help identify the staff violating the rule in the corridors or offices.
In 2022, Justice SM Subramaniam of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had made a similar observation pertaining to digital distraction. He had observed that use of mobile phones and recording of videos inside the office was tantamount to misconduct. He had said that officials working in government departments should be banned from using mobile phones inside the office for personal purposes. In case of any emergency, they should seek permission to step out and use their phones if required.
