Supreme Court Shifts To Virtual Hearings, Car-Pooling To Save Fuel

The Supreme Court on Friday rolled out several fuel conservation measures, including virtual hearings on miscellaneous days, car-pooling among judges and partial work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for registry staff, in line with the Centre’s push to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

In a circular issued by Secretary General Bharat Parashar, the apex court said that all matters listed on miscellaneous days, Mondays, Fridays or any other notified miscellaneous day, as well as cases taken up during partial working days, will heard exclusively through video-conferencing until further orders.

“The Registry shall ensure that links for the video-conferencing are sent in a timely manner, maintain stable video-conferencing facilities and extend timely technical assistance so as to avoid any inconvenience to the Hon’ble Court,” the circular stated.

The Supreme Court also said that its judges had ‘unanimously resolved’ to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves. The move aims to ‘ensure optimum utilisation of fuel’.

The move forms part of broader efforts to cut fuel usage and limit avoidable expenditure. The measures come during the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The apex court also allowed up to 50 per cent of staff in each branch or section of the registry to work from home. Employees may avail the arrangement for up to two days a week.

The circular clarified that the remaining employees would continue to attend the office physically to ensure uninterrupted court administration. It also directed concerned Registrars to prepare weekly rosters in advance.

The administration has instructed officials working from home to remain available on the telephone. They must also report to the office whenever required.

Registrars have also received the authority to modify or restrict the WFH arrangement in certain sections. The move applies to departments where physical presence is essential or remote functioning has proved ineffective.

Also Read: Why India’s Growing Gold Addiction Is Worrying The Government, Can Bihar Be The Solution?