The Supreme Court on Friday introduced a series of administrative and procedural measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and ensuring continuity of judicial functioning, including virtual hearings for miscellaneous matters and a limited work-from-home arrangement for Registry staff.
The directions were issued through a circular released by the office of the Secretary General pursuant to an Office Memorandum dated May 12, 2026, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
According to the circular, all matters listed on miscellaneous days, including Mondays and Fridays, as well as cases taken up during partial working days of the Court, will henceforth be heard exclusively through video-conferencing until further orders. The Registry has been directed to ensure the timely dissemination of virtual hearing links, maintain uninterrupted digital connectivity, and extend technical assistance to avoid disruption in judicial proceedings.
The circular further stated that the judges of the Supreme Court have unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves as part of fuel conservation measures.
In another administrative decision, the Court permitted up to 50 per cent of staff in each branch or section of the Registry to work from home for a maximum of two days every week, subject to adequate staff remaining physically present to ensure uninterrupted institutional functioning.
Concerned Registrars have been directed to prepare weekly rosters in advance and monitor operational efficiency. Registry officials working remotely have also been instructed to remain accessible telephonically and be available to report to the office at short notice if required.
The circular further authorises concerned Registrars to restrict, modify or discontinue the work-from-home arrangement in branches where the nature of duties requires physical presence or where remote functioning is found to be administratively unviable.
The post Supreme Court introduces virtual hearings, hybrid work measures to reduce fuel consumption appeared first on India Legal.