EXTRA ORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY 9 MAGHA 1947 (S)
(NO.PATNA 84) PATNA, THURSDAY, 29TH JANUARY 2026 General Administration Department ——— NOTIFICATION 29th January 2026
No. 7/Astha.-04-50/2025-2088/GAD—In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India, as amended from time to time, the Governor of Bihar is pleased to make the following amendment in the Bihar Judicial Officers Conduct Rules, 2021 in consultation with the High Court of Judicature at Patna to regulate the conduct of Judicial Officers on social media:-
Bihar Judicial Officers Conduct (1st Amendment) Rules, 2026
PREAMBLE: Whereas the rise of social media platforms has revolutionized communication, making it easier for individuals, including Judicial Officers, to share information and express opinions publicly.
And whereas Judicial Officers occupy a unique and highly visible position in society, requiring them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and discretion. Thus, it is expedient to amend the Bihar Judicial Officers Conduct Rules, 2021 to provide guidance to Judicial Officers on the ethical and responsible use of social media, with the goal of upholding the dignity, impartiality, and integrity of the judiciary, preserving judicial independence, public confidence in the judiciary, and the proper administration of justice.
1. Short title and commencement:-
2 BIHAR GAZETTE (EXTRA) 29TH JANUARY 2026 2. After Rule-10 of the Bihar Judicial Officers Conduct Rules, 2021 a new Rule 10-Ashall be inserted in following manner:- 10-A. Conduct on Social Media platforms-
(i) Judicial Officer shall not use official or personal emails or the mobile phone with number provided to the Judicial Officer for creating or maintaining personal social media accounts for carrying out any such acts as indicated in clause 10-A(ii) to (xi) herein below.
(ii) Judicial Officers should refrain from using social media in ways that could diminish his/her office's dignity or damage the reputation of the judiciary as a whole. This includes maintaining respectful tone, avoiding vulgarity or inflammatory language, and being truthful and factful in any shared content.
(iii) Judicial Officers must refrain from posting content that could blur the lines between personal view and professional responsibilities. Achievements of the institution/judiciary should not be projected as the individual efforts or achievements of one's own.
(iv) Judicial Officers should refrain from maintaining anonymous or pseudonymous social media accounts.
(v) Judicial Officers should also avoid endorsing or criticizing specific individuals, legal professionals, media outlets, or political entities on social media.
(vi) Judicial Officers should not express opinions on social media on government policies/schemes and judgements/decisions of Supreme Court, High Courts etc.
(vii) Judicial Officers shall not post any classified/sensitive information on social media platforms under any circumstances.
(viii) Judicial Officers must refrain from public comment social media on:-
a) Pending or impending cases (anywhere in the jurisdiction). b) Legal issues that may come before the Court. c) Legislative proposals or controversial political matters.
(ix) Judicial Officers should neither post nor allow posting of photos from inside courtrooms or confidential proceedings, unless officially permitted.
(x) Judicial Officers shall not use their social media accounts for endorsement of any product, service or enterprise or for the private gain of friends, relatives or other acquaintances or their own.
(xi) Judicial Officers should not post paper publications or other information on social media platform regarding order passed by them.
By the Order of Governor of Bihar, RAJNISH KUMAR, Additional Secretary to the Government.
——— PUBLISHED AND PRINTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, BIHAR SECRETARIAT PRESS, PATNA, BIHAR GAZETTE (EXTRA) 84—571+200 Website:https://egazette.bihar.gov.in