In an unusual move, Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai will preside over a vacation bench of the Supreme Court during the summer break beginning May 26, 2025. This rare occurrence underscores the judiciary’s proactive approach to addressing urgent matters, even during court recess.
As per the notification issued by the Supreme Court under Rule 4 of Order II of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, the apex court will function on partial working days during the summer vacation, which lasts from May 26 to July 13, 2025. Regular hearings are set to resume on Monday, July 14.
The summer schedule reveals that from May 26 to June 1, Chief Justice Gavai will sit on a Division Bench alongside Justice Augustine George Masih. It is uncommon for the serving Chief Justice to hold court during the summer break, as this responsibility is typically delegated to senior puisne judges. His inclusion in the vacation bench signals the importance the Court attaches to maintaining judicial accessibility during recess periods.
The Supreme Court Registry, through Registrar T.I. Rajput, has also detailed the full roster of judges who will constitute Division Benches over the seven-week break. These benches are tasked with hearing urgent matters under Rule 6 of Order II of the Supreme Court Rules.
Vacation Bench Highlights:
- Week 1 (May 26 – June 1): CJI Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih
- Subsequent weeks: Benches led by Justices Surya Kant, Sanjay Karol, Prashant Kumar Mishra, Ujjal Bhuyan, K.V. Viswanathan, M.M. Sundresh, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and others.
The Supreme Court Registry will remain open during the vacation from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for officers and staff, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Group-C (non-clerical) employees, with closures on all Saturdays (except July 12), Sundays, and gazetted holidays.
Chief Justice Gavai’s decision to hold court during the break is seen as a gesture of institutional diligence, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s readiness to respond to critical legal matters without delay.
