Court registrars, clerks directed to promptly notify parties of cancelled sittings
By DL News
Published
Updated
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The directive, which takes immediate effect, requires court officials to communicate such changes through digital platforms, including WhatsApp, SMS and email, to ensure that affected parties receive timely notification.
The Chief Justice has directed all court registrars and clerks to promptly inform lawyers and litigants whenever scheduled court sittings are cancelled or adjourned, in a move aimed at reducing unnecessary inconvenience and financial hardship for court users.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, requires court officials to communicate such changes through digital platforms, including WhatsApp, SMS and email, to ensure that affected parties receive timely notification.
In a circular dated October 12, 2026, and signed by the Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, the Judicial Service expressed concern over the persistent inconvenience, financial burden and frustration experienced by lawyers and litigants due to late notification of cancelled or adjourned court sittings.
According to the circular, the administration of justice depends not only on the integrity of judges but also on the efficiency and reliability of court registries in managing court business.
It noted that situations where lawyers and litigants travel to court only to discover that proceedings cannot take place impose avoidable financial costs and undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
Consequently, registrars and court clerks have been instructed to take immediate steps to notify all affected lawyers and litigants as soon as it becomes apparent that a court will be unable to sit.
The directive further requires court registries to maintain accurate and updated contact information for lawyers appearing before the courts to facilitate effective communication.
On accountability, the Judicial Service cautioned that registrars would be held responsible for ensuring compliance with the notification protocol.
It warned that failure to provide timely notification, where reasonably possible, would be regarded as a serious dereliction of duty.
The Judicial Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining a judicial system that is accessible, efficient and respectful of the time and resources of stakeholders.
He emphasised that court administration must be characterised by professionalism and clear communication in the delivery of services to the public.
All heads of courts have accordingly been directed to ensure the immediate dissemination and strict implementation of the circular.
