Kerala High Court bans mobile gaming during work hours

The Kerala High Court has put out new guidelines restricting the use of mobile devices during office hours for staff members, especially for playing games or browsing through social media. This decision came after use of mobile was growing more and more in workspaces, leading the High Court to address this issue in a memorandum dated December 2.

“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,” the official memorandum read.

Strict action to be taken against violators

Not only accessing social media and playing mobile games, but other activity like movies, online trading and other things that can disrupt work is strictly prohibited. People found violating the norms will be punished accordingly.

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“In this backdrop, all the members of the staff are informed that indulging in online games during office hours and lunch recess is strictly prohibited. Further, except for official purpose, use of mobile phones for officers and staff members for watching social media content, movie, online trading, etc. during office hours other than lunch recess is strictly prohibited. Any violation of the same shall be viewed very seriously,” it further added.

Similar actions were taken back in 2009 and 2013 in order to improve productivity. With the popularity of mobile games skyrocketing post covid, people found a new hobby. The most recent memorandum further adds more depth to the guidelines. People aren’t restricted from using the device after work but only during the work hours.

This was necessary as to maintain a professional environment in the office, something many people would agree has been the case across the entire country. Hopefully, we will see something similar across other places across the country.