Supreme Court Judges To Carpool; Virtual Hearings And A WFH Registry To Save Fuel
The decision comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and government officials to cut fuel consumption as global oil prices remain volatile.
After PM Modi's appeal to conserve fuel, the Supreme Court has introduced virtual hearings, work-from-home and car-pooling measures.
Leading by example, the Judges of Supreme Court of India with a view to ensure optimum utilization of fuel, have unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves.
Amidst the government's push to save fuel, the Supreme Court has issued directions in view of the Office Memorandum dated 12" May, 2026 issued by the Government of India, Department of Personnel and Training.
Notably, matters listed on miscellaneous days (i.e. on Mondays, Fridays, or such other days as declared to be miscellaneous), and matters listed during the Court's partial working days, shall be heard by video-conferencing only.
The Registry has been asked to ensure that links for the video-conferencing are sent in a timely manner, and they have to extend timely technical assistance so as to avoid any inconvenience to the Court.
Moreover, till further orders, up to 50% of staff in each branch/section of the Registry are permitted to work from home for up to two days per week, provided that the remaining staff remain available in the office to ensure uninterrupted functioning.
"The Registrar concerned shall ensure that a weekly roster is prepared before the commencement of the week. Staff who are permitted to work from home are directed to remain available on telephone and be ready to attend office, in case of requirement, at any time. The concerned officers shall also ensure timely completion of various tasks assigned to them," the Circular adds.
Also, it has been clarified that if, after considering the essential nature of the work in a branch or section, the concerned Registrar is of the opinion that a work-from-home arrangement is not effective, the Registrar may restrict or modify such arrangements for that branch or section.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also cut down his security convoy to save fuel and encourage greener habits. Following suit Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh have also trimmed their motorcades by more than half.
Notably, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will also travel by bus during his Maharashtra inspection tour, cutting his convoy size by half in line with Prime Minister Modi’s call for austerity and fuel conservation. The move is aimed at reducing fuel use, easing traffic, and minimizing inconvenience to the public.