The Office of the Judicial Secretary has directed all Registrars and Court Clerks to ensure that notification of any inability of a court to sit is communicated to all relevant counsel and litigants without delay.
In a circular dated 12 October 2026, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed noted that lawyers and litigants continue to face material and consequential inconvenience, financial hardship and frustration due to the late notification of cancelled or adjourned court sittings.
The administration of justice depends not only on the integrity of the bench but also on the efficiency and reliability of the Registry in managing the business of the court. When a court is unable to sit, and this information is not communicated timeously, the burden placed upon counsel and, most importantly, upon the litigants is unacceptable. Such occurrences not only impose unnecessary financial costs but also undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
Effective immediately, all Registrars and Court Clerks are directed to ensure that notification of any inability of a court to sit is communicated to all relevant counsel and the litigants on record without delay.
To ensure the efficacy of this directive, the following protocol must be strictly observed:
Proactive communication: As soon as it becomes apparent that a court will be unable to sit, the Registrar or assigned Court Clerk must take immediate steps to notify all counsel and litigants involved in the affected matters.
Approved channels: Notification must be transmitted via the most efficient digital means available, specifically WhatsApp, SMS or email.
Accuracy of records: It is the responsibility of the Registry to maintain updated and accurate contact details for all counsel appearing before the court to facilitate this communication.
Accountability: Registrars are reminded that they bear the responsibility for ensuring this notification protocol is observed. Failure to provide timely notice, where it is reasonably possible to do so, will be viewed as a serious dereliction of duty.
The circular emphasised that the judicial system must remain accessible, efficient and respectful of the time and resources of all stakeholders. Service must be characterised by professionalism and clear communication.
All heads of courts have been requested to ensure the immediate dissemination and strict adherence to the circular.
