The Kerala High Court issued a memorandum this month criticising staff using mobile phones for social and entertainment purposes during working hours.

“Now, it has come to notice that many staff members are engaged in playing online games and watching social media content during work hours and break, thereby hampering the day-to-day office work,” said the memorandum dated December 2, 2024.

The memo added that activities such as online gaming during both office hours and the lunch recess was strictly prohibited, whereas using social media, watching movies, or trading online was prohibited outside of the lunch recess unless there was an official purpose for this.

“Any violation of the same shall be viewed very seriously,” said the memo signed by registrar general Gopakumar G, adding that controlling officers would have to restrict their staff from online gaming and using social media during work hours.

Senior officers who were given mobile phones, as well as chauffeurs, were exempted from the memo, likely in view of their daily responsibilities.