The Allahabad High Court has issued an administrative order introducing a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting efficient use of resources. Acting on a communication from the Chief Justice of India dated May 15, 2026, and an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, the High Court directed its officers, staff, and stakeholders to adopt measures including car pooling, greater use of public transport, online meetings, and hybrid court proceedings.
According to the office order issued on May 31, 2026, the measures will apply to both the principal seat of the High Court at Allahabad and its Lucknow Bench. The order was issued with the approval of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Car Pooling and Public Transport Encouraged
To ensure optimum utilization of fuel, Registry officers at Allahabad and Lucknow have resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves. The order further states that all staff members, from Class-IV employees to Class-I officers, should also be encouraged to share vehicles wherever possible. Employees have additionally been advised to maximize the use of public transport.
Online Meetings for Committees
The High Court has directed that meetings of committees comprising members from both Allahabad and Lucknow should, as far as possible, be conducted through video conferencing or other online modes. The order also provides that a co-presenting officer may be appointed to facilitate such virtual meetings.
Hybrid Mode for Court Proceedings
One of the key measures contained in the order is the adoption of hybrid hearings. The High Court stated that court proceedings may be conducted in hybrid mode at the discretion of the concerned courts and judges.
The order encourages advocates to appear through video conferencing and requests office-bearers and members of the Bar to make maximum use of the hybrid hearing facility.
Dedicated E-Mail and Helpline Numbers
To facilitate virtual participation in court proceedings, the High Court has directed the Registrar (Judicial) (Computer) to establish a dedicated e-mail ID and at least two helpline numbers. These facilities are intended to assist lawyers and litigants in accessing hybrid hearing arrangements.
Directions for Implementation
The office order has been circulated to various officers of the High Court, including the Senior Registrar at the Lucknow Bench, Registrars, Bench Secretaries, the High Court Bar Association, and other concerned officials for compliance and implementation. Specific directions have also been issued for uploading the order on the official website and taking necessary steps to operationalize the hybrid hearing framework.
Key Measures Announced
- Car pooling for Registry officers.
- Encouragement of vehicle pooling among all staff members.
- Greater use of public transport.
- Online meetings for committees with members from Allahabad and Lucknow.
- Hybrid mode of court proceedings at the discretion of judges.
- Increased use of video conferencing by advocates.
- Creation of a dedicated e-mail ID and two helpline numbers to support virtual hearings.
