SC Revives Virtual Hearings on Select Days Amid Fuel-Saving Push

Supreme Court of India has decided to conduct hearings exclusively through video conferencing on Mondays and Fridays as part of a broader fuel-conservation effort triggered by the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising energy concerns.

The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce avoidable expenditure and optimise fuel usage. Alongside virtual hearings, Supreme Court judges have also unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements among themselves.

Under the new circular, matters listed on miscellaneous days and during partial working days will be heard only through video conferencing until further orders. The apex court registry has been directed to ensure stable technical infrastructure and timely support to avoid disruption during online proceedings.

The court has additionally permitted up to 50 per cent of registry staff in each branch to work from home for up to two days a week, while ensuring uninterrupted judicial administration through weekly duty rosters.

The move marks a partial return to the virtual court model widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, the Supreme Court and several high courts conducted lakhs of hearings online, allowing judicial work to continue despite lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Legal experts believe the present arrangement could prove effective for short procedural and miscellaneous matters , as lawyers and court staff are now more familiar with digital hearings and hybrid systems. Online proceedings are also expected to reduce travel expenses, commuting time and fuel consumption for judges, lawyers and litigants.

However, concerns remain over internet connectivity, technical disruptions and the limitations of virtual platforms in handling lengthy constitutional or complex final hearings. Many experts feel physical courtrooms will continue to remain essential for detailed arguments and high-stakes litigation.

The latest measure is being viewed as a practical administrative step aimed at balancing judicial efficiency with resource conservation during a period of global uncertainty.