Law Ministry Notifies SC (Amendment) Rules, Reinstating Second and Fourth Saturdays as Court Working Days
- ByAdmin --
- 25 Jun 2025 --
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The Ministry of Law and Justice recently issued a notification introducing the Supreme Court (Amendment) Rules, 2025, bringing a significant change to the court’s calendar. Under these amended rules, the Supreme Court will now function on second and fourth Saturdays of every month, overturning the earlier practice of these days being court holidays. This amendment aims to enhance judicial productivity and address long-pending cases in the apex court.
Background and Context
The Supreme Court’s operational schedule has undergone periodic revisions to balance judicial efficiency with the need for adequate respite for judges and court staff. Traditionally, second and fourth Saturdays have been non-working days for courts across India, modeled on similar practices in government offices. However, the growing backlog of cases—a persistent challenge for India’s judiciary—has necessitated reforms in working schedules.
Key Features of the Amendment
- Extended Court Hours:
- The Supreme Court will now remain functional on second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
- Regular court hours will apply on these additional working days, ensuring continuity in judicial processes.
- Case Management:
- Priority will be given to hearing cases that are either time-sensitive or have been pending for extended periods.
- Special benches may be constituted on these days to handle specific categories of cases, such as constitutional matters or public interest litigations (PILs).
- Technology Integration:
- The amendment encourages the use of digital tools for scheduling and case tracking to optimize the additional working days.
- Virtual hearings may also be promoted to accommodate stakeholders’ convenience.
Legal Basis
The amendment derives its authority from Article 145 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the Supreme Court to frame rules for regulating its practice and procedure. By revising its schedule, the apex court exercises this power to align its operations with the evolving demands of justice delivery.
Implications of the Change
- Reduction in Backlog:
- With over 70,000 cases pending before the Supreme Court as of 2025, the additional working days are expected to alleviate the pressure on the judicial system.
- The move demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing delays in the dispensation of justice.
- Impact on Stakeholders:
- Litigants: Expedited hearings will benefit litigants awaiting justice, particularly in critical cases.
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers will need to adapt to the revised schedule, which may increase their workload but also improve case turnover.
- Court Staff: Operational adjustments may demand enhanced resource allocation and staff availability on these additional working days.
- Precedent for Other Courts:
- The Supreme Court’s decision may influence high courts and subordinate courts to reconsider their own schedules to improve judicial efficiency.
Challenges and Considerations
While the amendment aims to deliver positive outcomes, its implementation will not be without challenges:
- Human Resource Concerns: Ensuring the availability of judges, staff, and legal professionals on these days will require effective coordination.
- Logistical Adjustments: Adequate infrastructure, including courtrooms, digital facilities, and support services, must be ensured to handle the increased workload.
- Work-Life Balance: The move may impact the work-life balance of judges and court staff, potentially necessitating compensatory measures such as additional leave allowances.
Comparative Insights
Globally, judicial working schedules vary significantly. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have flexible court schedules, with special provisions for urgent cases on non-working days. India’s decision to increase working days reflects a unique response to its specific challenges, balancing tradition with contemporary demands.
Conclusion
The reinstatement of second and fourth Saturdays as working days marks a bold step towards enhancing the efficiency of the Supreme Court. By leveraging additional working hours and integrating technological solutions, the judiciary aims to expedite case resolution and reinforce public confidence in the legal system. However, the success of this reform will depend on its implementation and the ability to address associated challenges effectively. This amendment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of ensuring timely justice for all.
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