Supreme Court adopts virtual hearings, WFH for staff, judges to carpool to save fuel

Days after Prime Minister Modi's call to save fuel, the Supreme Court has issued a circular implementing virtual hearings and work-from-home measures. Virtual hearings will be conducted on Mondays and Fridays, as well as on declared miscellaneous days. Additionally, the entire summer vacation period starting from June 1 and the preceding week will operate fully via video conferencing. The initiative aims to minimise the physical presence of lawyers on the court premises. In alignment with a Department of Personnel and Training circular issued on May 12, 50 percent of the Supreme Court registry staff will be permitted to work from home for two days a week. The court registrar will issue a calendar to manage the staff roster. Furthermore, Supreme Court judges will begin carpooling as part of the fuel-saving efforts.