Supreme Court Implements Virtual Hearings and Work-from-Home Amid Energy Crisis
SC adopts virtual hearing, 2-day WFH, car-pooling after PM's austerity push
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In response to a rising energy crisis linked to the West Asia conflict, the Supreme Court of India has mandated virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays for June and July. Additionally, up to 50% of registry staff can work from home for two days a week, and judges will carpool to conserve fuel, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity appeal.
- 01The Supreme Court's decision includes mandatory virtual hearings for all matters on designated miscellaneous days.
- 02Judges will utilize carpooling to optimize fuel consumption amid rising crude oil prices.
- 03Up to 50% of staff in each registry section can work remotely for two days a week, with registrars managing weekly rosters.
- 04The Indian government has raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre, the first increase in four years.
- 05The Reserve Bank of India warns that prolonged conflict in West Asia could lead to further price hikes for consumers.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Supreme Court of India has introduced mandatory virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays for June and July due to a worsening energy crisis influenced by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced the measures during a full court meeting, which also includes allowing up to 50% of registry staff to work from home for two days a week and encouraging judges to carpool to reduce fuel consumption. A circular issued by Supreme Court secretary general Bharat Parashar emphasized the need for stable video-conferencing facilities to facilitate these changes. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for the public to adopt fuel conservation practices, including carpooling and using public transport. In a related move, the Indian government raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre, marking the first retail fuel price hike in four years. The Reserve Bank of India has cautioned that if the West Asia conflict persists, higher fuel costs may eventually be passed on to consumers, given that India imports over 80% of its crude oil requirements.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
These measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on citizens due to rising fuel prices and promote energy conservation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the Supreme Court's decision to implement virtual hearings?
Connecting to poll...
More about Supreme Court of India

Supreme Court of India Implements Fuel-Saving Initiatives Amid Crisis
The Indian Express • May 15, 2026
Supreme Court Implements Virtual Hearings and Work-from-Home Policies Amid Fuel Conservation Efforts
The Economic Times • May 15, 2026

Supreme Court Implements Virtual Hearings and Work-from-Home Policies Amid Austerity Measures
Mint • May 15, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


