Supreme Court Shifts To Hybrid Working Model After Recent Directives From Centre; Judges To Have Car-pooling Arrangements
The Circular dated May 15, 2026, said that the Judges unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves.
The Supreme Court of India issued a circular on May 15, 2026, announcing a significant shift in its operational protocols following a recent directive from the Department of Personnel and Training.
Under the new guidelines, the court transitioned all matters listed on miscellaneous days, such as Mondays and Fridays, to a video-conferencing-only format.
This rule also applied to hearings scheduled during the court’s partial working days.
The Registry received instructions to maintain stable digital infrastructure and provide technical assistance to ensure that virtual proceedings occurred without disruption to the Court.
"Matters listed on miscellaneous days (i.e. on Mondays, Fridays, or such other days as declared to be miscellaneous), and matters listed during the Court's partial working days, shall be heard by video-conferencing only. 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", it said.
The Circular said, "To ensure optimum utilization of fuel, the Hon'ble Judges of the Supreme Court have unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves."
The circular also introduced a flexible working arrangement for the court's administrative staff. Up to 50% of the personnel in each branch were permitted to work from home for up to two days per week.
"Till further orders, up to 50% of staff in each branch/section of the Registry are permitted to work from home for up to two days per week, provided that the remaining staff remain available in the office to ensure uninterrupted functioning. The Registrar concerned shall ensure that a weekly roster is prepared before the commencement of the week", it said.
However, the administration retained the authority to modify or revoke these arrangements if the essential nature of a specific branch's work required a full physical presence.
Click here to read/download the Circular