Gauhati High Court issues notification modifying APAR documentation hierarchy for Officers and staff, effective immediately. Check revised details for Stenographers.
The Gauhati High Court at Guwahati has released an important notification regarding the modification of the hierarchy for the documentation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) for its officers and staff. This administrative update, dated 16 February 2026, impacts the Principal Seat of the High Court and comes into effect immediately.
What Changed
This notification is a partial modification of an earlier notification (No. HC.V-4/2013/635/Estt. dated 26-08-2016). The Hon’ble Chief Justice has approved a revised hierarchy for the reporting, reviewing, and accepting authorities for APARs, specifically detailing the structure for Stenographers.
| Particulars | Earlier Status (Reference) | Revised Status |
|---|---|---|
| Subject of Notification | Hierarchy for APAR documentation | Modified hierarchy for APAR documentation |
| Affected Staff | Officers and staff of the Principal Seat | Officers and staff of the Principal Seat, specifically Stenographers |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Attached) Reporting Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | Concerned Hon’ble Judge/Officers with whom they are attached |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Attached) Reviewing Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | Not mentioned in this notification |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Attached) Accepting Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | Not mentioned in this notification |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Pool/Outlying Benches) Reporting Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | In-charge of Stenographers |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Pool/Outlying Benches) Reviewing Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | Not mentioned in this notification |
| Stenographer Grade-III (Pool/Outlying Benches) Accepting Authority | Not explicitly detailed in this notification | Registrar General |
| Effective Date | Not explicitly detailed for earlier notification | Immediate effect from 16 February 2026 |
Reason for Change
The modification has been made following the approval of Hon’ble the Chief Justice, signifying an administrative decision to streamline and update the APAR documentation process within the High Court.
Action Required
This notification primarily serves as an internal administrative update for the officers and staff of the Gauhati High Court, particularly those involved in the APAR process for Stenographers. No specific action is required from external candidates or general public. Affected internal staff and authorities should take note of the revised hierarchy for APAR documentation.
Revised Details
The updated hierarchy for Stenographers is as follows:
For Senior Private Secretary/ Private Secretary/ Senior Personal Assistant/ Stenographer Grade- III (Attached to Judges/Officers)
- Reporting Authority: Concerned Hon’ble Judge/Officers with whom they are attached
- Reviewing Authority: Not mentioned in this notification
- Accepting Authority: Not mentioned in this notification
For Senior Private Secretary/ Private Secretary/ Senior Personal Assistant/ Stenographer Grade- III (on Pool/attached with Judges stationed at Outlying Benches)
- Reporting Authority: In-charge of Stenographers
- Reviewing Authority: Not mentioned in this notification
- Accepting Authority: Registrar General
This revised structure is effective immediately and will remain in force until further orders from the High Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is an APAR?
A1: APAR stands for Annual Performance Appraisal Report. It is a confidential report that evaluates the performance, conduct, and potential of an employee over a specific period, usually a year. It’s a crucial document for career progression, promotions, and other service-related matters in government departments.
Q2: Who does this notification primarily affect?
A2: This notification primarily affects the officers and staff, specifically Stenographers (Senior Private Secretary/Private Secretary/Senior Personal Assistant/Stenographer Grade-III) working at the Principal Seat of the Gauhati High Court and those attached with Judges stationed at Outlying Benches. It also affects the authorities responsible for reporting, reviewing, and accepting their APARs.
Q3: What does ‘hierarchy for documentation of APARs’ mean?
A3: It refers to the defined chain of command or authority responsible for initiating, reviewing, and finally accepting an employee’s performance appraisal report. This hierarchy ensures accountability and proper evaluation at various levels.
Q4: Is this a job vacancy notification?
A4: No, this is not a job vacancy or recruitment notification. It is an internal administrative update regarding the existing staff and their performance appraisal process.
Q5: Where can I find the official notification?
A5: The official notification is typically uploaded on the official website of the Gauhati High Court. As per the memo, the Project Manager is directed to upload this notification to the High Court website.
Q6: What is the significance of the ‘immediate effect’ clause?
A6: ‘Immediate effect’ means that the revised APAR hierarchy comes into force right from the date of the notification (16 February 2026). All subsequent APAR processes for the affected staff must adhere to this new structure.
Q7: Why are Reviewing and Accepting Authorities not mentioned for some categories?
A7: In some cases, the PDF might not explicitly detail all levels if the primary focus of the modification is on the Reporting Authority or if the other levels remain unchanged from a previous comprehensive notification. It is advisable for internal staff to refer to the complete administrative guidelines or consult their respective departments for full clarity.