The Supreme Court of India has implemented a comprehensive set of fuel conservation measures, including the mandatory use of virtual hearings on specific days, promoting car-pooling among judges, and allowing remote work for Registry staff, in line with the central government’s advisory to reduce fuel consumption.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that these directives, detailed in a circular issued on May 15, are effective immediately, adhering to an Office Memorandum from the Department of Personnel and Training dated May 12.
Under the new regulations, all cases scheduled for miscellaneous hearings on Mondays, Fridays, and other designated days, as well as those listed for partial working days, will be exclusively conducted via video-conferencing. The Supreme Court Registry is tasked with ensuring the seamless execution of these virtual proceedings by providing timely links and essential technical support.
In a collective agreement to optimize fuel utilization, judges of the apex court have endorsed the practice of car-pooling.
The circular further indicates that up to 50 percent of the staff within each branch or section of the Registry can work from home for a maximum of two days per week until further notice. This measure is designed to maintain adequate office presence to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of court operations.
Registrars have been instructed to prepare weekly duty rosters in advance and to ensure the timely completion of official tasks. Staff undertaking remote work are required to remain accessible by telephone and to report to the office whenever necessary.
The Registrar concerned has also been empowered to modify or revoke the work-from-home arrangements for any section based on evolving operational requirements and needs.
The Chenab Times News Desk
