Judicial Service orders prompt notice of court adjournments to lawyers, litigants

The Judicial Service has directed all registrars and court clerks to promptly notify lawyers and litigants whenever a court is unable to sit or a scheduled hearing is adjourned.

The directive is intended to prevent unnecessary financial costs, inconvenience and frustration caused by late communication of cancelled or adjourned court sittings.

In a circular dated Monday, October 12, and signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, the Service said the failure to communicate changes to court schedules undermined public confidence in the administration of justice.

“It has been brought to the attention of this Office that lawyers and litigants continue to face material/consequential inconvenience, financial hardship, and frustration due to the late notification of cancelled or adjourned court sittings,” the circular stated in part.

Under the new directive, registrars and assigned court clerks must notify all relevant lawyers and litigants as soon as it becomes apparent that a court will be unable to sit.

The circular requires court registries to use the most efficient digital channels available, including WhatsApp, SMS and email, to communicate the changes.

It also directs registries to maintain accurate and updated contact details for lawyers appearing before the courts to ensure that notifications reach the affected parties.

“Failure to provide timely notice, where it is reasonably possible to do so, will be viewed as a serious dereliction of duty,” the circular warned.

The Judicial Service further noted that the measures are necessary to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system while respecting the time and financial resources of lawyers and litigants.