SJC approves major changes to judges’ code of conduct

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has approved major modifications to the rule of conduct for judges, an official statement said.

The declaration noted that the name of the Federal Constitutional Court has been inserted in the code, after which the updated rules will apply to the judges of the Federal Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the High Courts.

The new code has lifted the ban on judges’ participation in social and cultural events. After the modification of Clause 12, judges will be allowed to attend political and diplomatic gatherings likewise with prior permission of the concerned Chief Justice although the consent of the Chief Justice would be necessary.

The revisions also include restrictions against pressure, complaints and interference in justice. In case of complaints, high court judges will have to tell the concerned Chief Justice in writing.

It was also said that the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court and the two most senior judges of both the courts will also be told.

A judges’ committee will have to deal with complaints within 14 days. If no action is taken within the given period, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court will take up the subject for review on their own.

The statement further stated that judges of both the Federal Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court had to inform in writing their Chief Justice and four senior judges on such topics.