The Supreme Court has released a notification outlining the functioning of vacation benches during the upcoming summer break, now renamed as “partial court working days.”
The period will span from May 26-July 13.
Increased Number Of Vacation Benches
Unlike previous years, where only two benches operated during the summer vacation, this year will see a notable increase to 2 to 5 benches working simultaneously. The change reflects a shift in court operations aimed at maintaining continuity in judicial work, even during the traditionally quieter summer period.
What stands out this time is the involvement of senior judges, including Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, who will be presiding over cases during the partial vacation. This marks a significant departure from earlier practice, where senior judges typically did not sit on vacation benches.
Weekly Roster Of Judges Announced
The court has detailed the weekly schedule for justices presiding over the vacation benches. For the first week, spanning May 26 to June 1, the following judges will lead the 5 benches:
- Chief Justice of India B R Gavai
- Justice Suryakant
- Justice Vikram Nath
- Justice J K Maheshwari
- Justice B V Nagarathna
Each of these judges will be heading a separate bench, ensuring that the court remains functionally active during the early summer weeks.
Registry Working Hours & Holidays
To support court operations, the Supreme Court registry will remain open from 10 AM to 5 PM for all officers and staff throughout the partial vacation period. However, the registry will be closed on all Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with the exception of Saturday, July 12, which will be a working day.
Step Toward Greater Judicial Accessibility
This revised approach suggests a move toward enhancing judicial accessibility and efficiency, even during periods typically reserved for recess. By involving top-tier judges and expanding the number of benches, the Supreme Court appears committed to reducing case backlog and improving service delivery.
The notification sets a new precedent for how the highest court in the country may function during breaks going forward—balancing rest with responsibility.
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