In response to a deepening energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Supreme Court has introduced a series of immediate administrative measures, including mandatory virtual hearings for certain categories of cases, car-pooling by judges, and partial work-from-home arrangements for Registry staff, in line with the Union government's fuel conservation measures.
The Apex Court ordered mandatory virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays in June and July, while also permitting up to 50% of its registry staff to work from home for two days a week.In a circular issued on May 15, 2026, Supreme Court Secretary General Bharat Parashar said the steps were being implemented pursuant to an Office Memorandum dated May 12, 2026 issued by the Department of Personnel and Training in the light of the fuel crisis following the US-Iran conflict.
As part of the new measures, all matters listed on miscellaneous days, including Mondays and Fridays, as well as cases scheduled during the Court's partial working days, will now be heard exclusively through video-conferencing until further orders.
The circular directed the Registry to ensure timely circulation of video-conferencing links, maintain stable connectivity, and provide prompt technical support to avoid inconvenience to the judges during proceedings.Also, the Supreme Court judges have "unanimously resolved" to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves. The Court has also permitted up to 50 per cent of staff in each branch or section of the Registry to work from home for a maximum of two days a week.
However, the circular clarified that sufficient staff must remain physically present in office to ensure uninterrupted functioning. Registrars have been asked to prepare weekly rosters in advance. Employees working remotely must remain reachable by telephone and be prepared to report to office at any time if required.
Officers have also been tasked with ensuring timely completion of all assigned work. The circular further provides flexibility to Registry officials to curtail or modify the work-from-home arrangement where the essential nature of work in a particular branch or section makes such an arrangement impractical
The Supreme Court’s decision mirrors the Union government’s broader appeal for fuel conservation amid mounting pressure on India’s import bill due to rising crude prices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier this week urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport, adopt carpooling and revive work-from-home practices wherever possible.
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