SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court of India has introduced a series of fuel conservation measures, including mandatory virtual hearings on miscellaneous days, car-pooling among judges, and work-from-home arrangements for Registry staff, following the Centre’s advisory on reducing fuel consumption.
According to a circular issued on May 15, the measures have come into immediate effect in compliance with an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on May 12.
Under the new directions, all cases listed on miscellaneous hearing days, including Mondays, Fridays and other notified days, as well as matters scheduled during partial working days, will be heard exclusively through video-conferencing. The Supreme Court Registry has been instructed to ensure smooth virtual proceedings by providing timely hearing links and technical support.
The judges of the apex court have also unanimously agreed to encourage car-pooling to ensure optimum fuel utilisation.
The circular further states that up to 50 per cent of staff in each branch or section of the Registry may work from home for up to two days a week until further orders, while maintaining adequate office presence for uninterrupted court functioning.
Registrars have been directed to prepare weekly duty rosters in advance and ensure timely disposal of official work. Staff working remotely have been asked to remain available on telephone and report to office whenever required.
The concerned Registrar has also been authorised to modify or withdraw the work-from-home arrangement in any section depending on operational requirements.
