The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued an order to the Judicial officers regarding obtaining prior approval of the Court, before entering into transactions regarding movable property.
The Court remarked that: “It may be ensured that no such transaction is entered into unless the requisite permission has been secured in advance”.
Background:
The Court received references/reports and noted that Judicial Officers were increasingly purchasing movable property by raising bank loans without prior approval and then later sought post-facto permission.
The Court remarked that this practice is in contravention of the provisions laid down in the relevant CCS (Conduct) Rules.
The Court highly discouraged of obtaining permission after loan has already been raised for purchasing movable property.
It clarified that transaction of property exceeding the value of Rs. 10,00,000/- shall not be undertaken without obtaining the prior permission of the Hon’ble High Court.
The High Court remarked that “Any violation of these instructions will be treated as non-compliance and may invite appropriate action as per rules.”
The Court concluded that all officers are advised to strictly follow these guidelines.