In a transformative move, the Supreme Court of India is set to abolish its long-standing tradition of summer vacations in favour of ‘partial Court working days,’ as per the latest amendment to its procedural rules. This change, brought forth by the Supreme Court (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024, was officially sanctioned with the President’s approval and announced on November 5, 2024.
Under the new system, the Court will not close for an extended summer break; instead, it will operate on a modified schedule throughout the year. This initiative is designed to bolster the Court’s efficiency by continuing to address urgent legal matters during these reduced operational days, while still granting judicial officers and staff the requisite time off.
Details of the Revised System:
– Implementation and Structure: The amended rules, effective immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette, introduce ‘partial Court working days.’ This new schedule stipulates that the Court will function for a limited number of days during what were traditionally vacation periods, under the guidance of the Chief Justice.
– Handling of Urgent Cases: To prevent delays in critical legal proceedings, the arrangement allows designated judges to preside over urgent matters. This includes everything from admission hearings to applications for special leave in cases where interim relief is sought. Notably, judges during these days will refrain from deciding on petitions that involve significant constitutional interpretations unless they convene in full Court.
– Annual Schedule Adjustments: The Court’s annual calendar will now be divided into two main terms, separated by the Christmas and New Year holidays. This scheduling ensures that the judiciary remains active nearly year-round, with the total non-working days not to exceed 95 days per year, excluding Sundays.
– Special Leave Applications: A significant aspect of the new rules is the specific provision for hearing special leave applications during these partial working days, focusing on those requiring urgent interim relief.
This structural shift represents a significant departure from the decades-old practice of prolonged summer recesses, aimed at increasing the accessibility and responsiveness of India’s apex court. The judiciary’s move to a more continuous operational model is expected to expedite the handling of urgent legal matters and enhance overall judicial productivity, reflecting a modern approach to legal proceedings in India.
