corporate law
Recent developments in the Indian judiciary signify a transformative change aimed at increasing efficiency for litigants. The Supreme Court of India has decided to terminate its long-held summer vacation tradition, a move anticipated to significantly impact the management of legal matters across the nation.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has officially discarded its colonial-era practice of summer vacations. This change, introduced under the Supreme Court (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024, received sanction from the 15th President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and was announced on November 5, 2024.
Starting in 2025, the Court will no longer observe an extended summer break. While the summer vacation is not completely eliminated, it will now be referred to as “partial court working days,” during which the court will function in a limited capacity rather than closing entirely.
The new schedule is designed to enhance the Court's efficiency by allowing the resolution of urgent legal matters on these partial working days. This arrangement ensures that both judicial officers and staff have the necessary time off while reducing disruptions for litigants. Designated judges will be able to address critical cases, including admission hearings and applications for special leave seeking interim relief.
Judges will refrain from handling cases that involve substantial constitutional interpretations during these partial working days, unless the full Court is convened.
The Supreme Court's annual calendar will now be structured into two terms, separated by the Christmas and New Year holidays. This model is expected to promote continuous judicial activity throughout the year, limiting non-working days to a maximum of 95 annually. According to the 2025 Supreme Court calendar, the Registry will remain operational during partial working days, except on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays and designated holidays.
This reform represents a pivotal shift from outdated colonial practices, aiming to enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of India's highest court. The capacity to address urgent special leave applications during partial working days is a notable improvement that underscores the urgent need to manage pressing legal concerns without delay.
The designation “Vacation Judge” has been replaced with “Judge,” indicating that those presiding during partial working days are fulfilling regular judicial responsibilities rather than functioning solely as vacation judges.
This reform is a response to public criticism and recommendations from the Union Law Minister and parliamentary committees, including earlier suggestions by Justice Lodha aimed at reducing court vacations.
The Supreme Court's shift towards a continuous operational model signifies a modern approach to judicial functioning, liberating it from the confines of its colonial heritage. This decision is expected to accelerate the handling of urgent legal matters and improve overall productivity, thereby benefiting litigants in need of immediate assistance.