The Supreme Court of India has initiated a series of urgent administrative measures in response to the central government's call for fuel conservation amidst the ongoing fuel crisis. Taking proactive steps to ensure the effective use of resources during current global circumstances, the apex court has introduced mandatory virtual hearings for specific categories of cases, car-pooling arrangements for judges, and a partial work-from-home (WFH) system for the registry staff. These measures aim to save fuel while ensuring that judicial functions continue without interruption. In a circular issued on Friday, Supreme Court Secretary General Bharat Parashar stated that these steps are being implemented following an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on the 12th, which addressed the fuel crisis emerging after the US-Iran conflict.
Mandatory Virtual Hearings on Specific Days
Under the new administrative guidelines, hearings on miscellaneous days will now be conducted exclusively through video conferencing. This includes Mondays, Fridays, and other partial working days. The statement clarified that all cases listed on these specific days, as well as cases scheduled during days when the court is partially functional, will be heard only via video-conferencing until further orders. To facilitate this transition, the registry has been given strict instructions to ensure the timely circulation of video-conferencing links to all concerned parties. Plus, the registry must maintain stable connectivity and provide immediate technical support to the judges to prevent any disruptions during the proceedings. This shift to a virtual mode is a strategic move to reduce the physical movement of litigants and legal professionals, thereby contributing to fuel saving.
Judicial Car-Pooling and Registry WFH Guidelines
In a significant move towards sustainability, the judges of the Supreme Court have "unanimously" decided to encourage and adopt car-pooling arrangements among themselves. This collective decision highlights the judiciary's commitment to addressing the fuel crisis through personal and professional adjustments. Alongside this, the court has authorized a work-from-home arrangement for the registry staff. Up to 50 percent of the staff in every branch or section of the registry is now permitted to work from home for a maximum of two days a week. However, the circular emphasizes that a sufficient number of staff members must remain physically present in the office to ensure that the court's operations remain easy and efficient. The balance between remote work and physical presence is intended to maintain productivity while achieving the goal of fuel conservation.
Administrative Oversight and Accountability
To manage the new working arrangements, Registrars have been tasked with creating detailed weekly rosters. These rosters will determine the schedule for staff members working from home and those attending the office in person.
The circular provides Registry officials with the flexibility to reduce or modify the work-from-home arrangements if the nature of work in a particular branch or section makes such an arrangement impractical. Registrars are directed to maintain the weekly rosters and have the authority to summon employees to the office immediately whenever necessary. These comprehensive measures reflect the Supreme Court's strategic response to the fuel crisis, ensuring that the administration of justice remains strong while adapting to global resource challenges, while the article ends exactly where the last fact of the original input ends.