Judiciary Issues New Court Dress and Conduct Rules

The Judiciary has directed litigants and other court users to dress appropriately while appearing in court, as part of the new Judiciary Client Charter 2024–2029 aimed at promoting discipline, efficiency, and proper administration of justice.

Under the new guidelines, court users are prohibited from wearing outfits bearing offensive writings, drawings, or signs while within court premises.

“Dress decently in court and its premises and not wear outfits with offensive writings, drawings, or signs,” the charter states in part.

The charter also bars idling and vending within court premises and requires mobile phones and other electronic devices to be switched off or kept on silent mode during proceedings. Eating in court is also prohibited unless permission is granted by the presiding judicial officer.

Litigants are further expected to file the correct documents, respect court rulings and orders, report on time for hearings, maintain orderliness, and follow court procedures and instructions.

The Judiciary also requires court users to pay prescribed court fees and keep receipts safely, provide truthful information, avoid carrying deadly weapons, and show respect to judicial officers, court staff, and fellow court users.

In addition, the Judiciary warned against corruption, use of offensive language, obscene gestures, and disorderly behaviour such as shouting, chanting, or singing within court premises.