A significant standoff has emerged at the Rajasthan High Court today as lawyers have collectively decided to boycott work, while despite it being the fourth Saturday of January, the High Court administration had declared it a working day, a move that has met with stiff resistance from the legal fraternity.
The Administration's Mandate
Following a Full Court decision, the Rajasthan High Court administration designated the first fourth Saturday of 2026 as a working day. To implement this, a formal cause list was issued, scheduling various cases for hearing. This decision is part of a broader strategy to increase the number of working days to tackle the mounting pressure of pending litigation.
Bar Association's Protest and Boycott
The High Court Bar Association expressed its strong disapproval by submitting a memorandum against the decision. Rajiv Sogarwal, President of the High Court Bar, convened an Executive Committee meeting where the resolution for a work boycott was passed. The lawyers argue that Saturdays are essential for legal research. And administrative tasks that can't be handled during regular court hours.
The Mystery of the Five-Judge Committee
Earlier this year, when the Jaipur and Jodhpur Bars protested similar moves, the Acting Chief Justice formed a committee of five judges to look into the matter. The committee was expected to submit its report by January 21. According to Bar President Rajiv Sogarwal, while the report has been submitted to the Acting Chief Justice, its contents remain undisclosed to the Bar Association. The issuance of today's cause list suggests that the administration intends to stick to its original plan.
Aiming for 24 Extra Working Days
The decision, rooted in a Full Court meeting held on December 12, 2025, aims to keep the High Court operational for two Saturdays every month starting from January. This initiative is projected to add 24 extra working days to the. Judicial calendar annually, specifically targeted at accelerating the disposal of long-pending cases.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Professional Challenges
The High Court administration maintains that expanding judicial time is a necessity given the increasing backlog of cases. By working on two Saturdays a month, the administration hopes. To make the judicial process more effective, rapid, and time-bound. However, with the lawyers' boycott in full swing today, the effectiveness of this additional working day remains in question as courtrooms face a lack of legal representation.