New Code of Conduct Reaffirms Political Neutrality for Judicial Employees

The Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has announced the implementation of a new code of conduct for judicial employees, clarifying their stance on political activities. Contrary to recent media reports, the DJA emphasised that the new guidelines, which came into effect on Thursday, do not permit judicial employees to engage in political activities, reinforcing the importance of political neutrality within the judiciary.

In a statement released on Sunday, the DJA underscored the necessity for judicial employees to remain politically neutral, highlighting that the new code of conduct upholds this principle. The department said the revised guidelines will serve to uphold public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the justice system, further reinforcing its ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of professionalism within the judiciary. The DJA clarified that the removal of the 2011 rules, which explicitly prohibited judicial personnel and employees from participating in political activities, does not signify a change in policy. Rather, the revised code aims to address concerns relating to the previous regulations while reinforcing the requirement for impartiality.

According to the DJA, while the repealed chapter of the rules did not prohibit judicial employees from being members of political parties or voting in party internal elections, the new code of conduct maintains restrictions on political activities and other social engagements, aiming to prevent any actions that may compromise the “impartiality” of the judiciary and ensuring public trust and respect for the institution.

Under the previous rules, which had been in effect since 2011, judicial employees were strictly barred from engaging in any form of political involvement. The dedicated chapter explicitly prohibited them from holding positions within political parties, participating in campaign activities, assisting candidates on polling days, running for elected political offices, and even signing petitions prepared by political parties.