SC to Hear Cases Through Video Conferencing on Mondays, Fridays for Optimum Fuel Utilisation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hear cases only through video conferencing on Mondays and Fridays, with the judges “unanimously agreed” to encourage car-sharing arrangements among themselves to ensure optimum fuel usage. The move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for curbing avoidable expenses due to the ongoing West Asian crisis.

“The matters listed on sundry days (i.e. Monday, Friday or other days declared to be sundry) and the matters listed on partial working days of the Court will be heard only through video conferencing.

“The Registry will ensure that video conferencing links are sent on time, stable video conferencing facilities are maintained and technical assistance facilities are expanded in a timely manner to avoid any disturbance to the Supreme Court,” a circular issued said. It was said.

The notification from the high court also stated that until a fresh order, up to 50 per cent of the staff in each branch or division of the registry has been allowed to work from home (WFH) for up to two days a week, provided the remaining staff is available in the office to ensure uninterrupted functioning.

“The relevant Registrar will ensure that a weekly list is prepared before the start of the week. Staff who are allowed to work from home are instructed to be available on the phone and ready to come to the office at any time if needed.

“The relevant officers shall also ensure timely completion of various duties assigned to them. If the Registrar concerned, after considering the merits of the work in a branch or division, is of the opinion that the work-from-home arrangement is not effective, the Registrar may restrict or modify such arrangements for that branch or division,” the circular said.