SG Mehta, Mukul Rohatgi Commend CJI Kant’s Virtual Hearing Push Amid Fuel Concerns

In Supreme Court on Monday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi applauded the CJI Surya Kant's move to switch to virtual hearings amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to save fuel.

SG Mehta and Rohatgi bother were appearing virtually in a case pertaining to an arbitration dispute before a bench comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

As the hearing came to a close, Senior counsel Rohatgi said, "I must commend the CJI, today's VC hearing in every court was very smooth..all the judges were very patient..".

SG Mehta added to the senior lawyers views and said, "I must join my senior in his stance.."

Rohatgi added, "Ten ten matters have happened, the CJI should ask all Chief Justices to do the same.."

To this the CJI responded, "On Friday itself I had asked the CJs of all High Courts to hear cases virtually as far as possible..".

SG Mehta added to the banter and said, "Mr. Rohatgi don't divulge the number of matters" as the court erupted in laughter.

On May 15, the Judges of Supreme Court of India with a view to ensure optimum utilization of fuel, unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves.

Amidst the government's push to save fuel, the Supreme Court 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.

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.