Supreme Court Shifts To Virtual Hearings Twice A Week After PM Modi’s Fuel Saving Appeal

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it will conduct hearings virtually on Mondays and Fridays following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to citizens to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The move comes as global energy markets continue to face disruptions due to instability in the region affecting oil and gas supplies.

Supreme Court Introduces New Hearing Schedule

Under the revised arrangement, the apex court will function entirely through virtual hearings twice every week. From Tuesday to Thursday, the court will continue with a hybrid system, allowing lawyers and litigants to either appear physically or join proceedings online.

The decision was taken shortly after Prime Minister Modi urged people to adopt austerity measures to deal with the economic impact of the geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The crisis has created uncertainty in energy markets and raised concerns over fuel consumption and transportation costs.

Judges Resolve To Promote Carpooling

Apart from changing the hearing format, the Supreme Court also announced internal measures aimed at reducing fuel use. The court stated that its judges had "unanimously resolved" to encourage carpooling in order to minimise fuel consumption and improve travel efficiency.

The initiative is being seen as part of a broader institutional response to the Prime Minister's appeal for conservation efforts during the ongoing energy crisis.

Work From Home Allowed For Registry Staff

The apex court also introduced a partial work-from-home arrangement for Registry employees. According to the notification, up to 50 per cent of employees in each Registry branch or section will be allowed to work remotely for a maximum of two days every week.

The court clarified that the system would operate through weekly duty rosters to ensure that regular court functioning is not affected. At the same time, Registry authorities have been granted flexibility to modify or restrict the remote working policy in departments where physical presence is essential because of the nature of work.

West Asia Conflict Triggers Fuel Concerns

The Supreme Court's decision reflects growing concern over the economic impact of the conflict in West Asia, which has rattled global energy markets. Disruptions in oil and gas movement have prompted authorities and institutions in India to consider measures aimed at conserving fuel and reducing unnecessary travel.

Prime Minister Modi's appeal for austerity and fuel-saving measures appears to have triggered responses across several sectors, with the judiciary now becoming one of the first major institutions to formally alter its functioning in line with the advisory.