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Supreme Court Goes Virtual: Video Hearings, WFH for Staff Amid Fuel Crisis

The Supreme Court has directed that all matters on miscellaneous days will be heard only via video conferencing to conserve fuel. Up to 50% of Registry staff may work from home on a rotational basis. The move follows PM Modi's appeal for fuel conservation amid the West Asia energy crisis. Additionally, the Centre hiked petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre.

Key Points: Supreme Court Shifts to Online Hearings Amid Fuel Crisis

  • Supreme Court shifts to video conferencing for all miscellaneous day hearings
  • Up to 50% of Registry staff allowed to work from home on rotational basis
  • Move follows PM Modi's appeal to save fuel amid global energy crisis
  • Petrol and diesel prices hiked by Rs 3 per litre as Brent crude stays above USD 100
2 min read

Supreme Court moves hearings online, allows staff to Work From Home amid PM Modi's appeal to save fuel

Supreme Court moves hearings online, allows 50% staff to work from home following PM Modi's fuel conservation appeal amid West Asia energy crisis.

"car-pooling arrangements among judges to ensure optimum utilisation of fuel - Supreme Court"

New Delhi, May 15

In view of the Central Government's advisory on fuel conservation amid the ongoing global energy crisis linked to the West Asia conflict, the Supreme Court has directed that all matters listed on miscellaneous days, including Mondays and Fridays, as well as during partial working days, shall be heard only through video conferencing until further orders.

The top court has also encouraged car-pooling arrangements among judges to ensure optimum utilisation of fuel.

Additionally, up to 50 per cent of Registry staff in each branch or section may work from home for up to two days a week on a rotational basis, subject to uninterrupted functioning of the Court.

Concerned Registrars have been given discretion to modify or restrict the work-from-home arrangement depending on the essential nature of work in a particular branch or section.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, adopt sustainable practices and support economic resilience amid global uncertainties linked to the West Asia conflict.

Meanwhile, today, the Centre hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre as the Brent crude price hovers above USD 100 per barrel amid the West Asia crisis.

Following the Rs 3 hike, petrol prices in New Delhi rose from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel prices increased from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.

The fuel price revision comes amid growing concerns over global energy supplies due to tensions in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime trade route for crude oil transportation.

Brent crude oil prices have remained above USD 100 per barrel following the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran since February this year. The widening regional conflict has impacted fuel markets as several West Asian countries are major energy suppliers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

K
Kavya N
Honestly, Rs 3 per liter hike hurts common man. Every time there is a conflict in Middle East, we pay. Why not invest more in renewable energy and reduce dependence? But yes, court's initiative is welcome.
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Vikram M
👏 Kudos to Modi Ji and SC for this. But car pooling among judges? Our judges are not used to such. Let's see how it works. At least something innovative happening in judiciary finally.
S
Siddharth J
These are the kind of steps we need. Every bit counts. But why only Supreme Court? Even High Courts and district courts should adopt similar measures. Fuel conservation should be a national priority. 🇮🇳
P
Priya S
While I appreciate the video conferencing move, will it affect court efficiency? Many cases need physical presence. Hope this is temporary. Also, 50% staff working from home - sounds good but registry delays are already a problem. Let's see how it works.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Indian courts adopting WFH and video hearings. In UK we've been doing this for years for some hearings. Smart move. But the fuel price hike seems painful for common citizens. Hope global tensions ease soon.
A
Arjun K
Not just SC, but we as citizens also need to reduce fuel usage. I've started car

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