Supreme Court Adopts Carpooling, Online Hearings to Save Fuel

Amid rising concerns over the ongoing West Asian crisis and its impact on global fuel supplies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens across India to conserve fuel and adopt energy-saving measures. His appeal is now influencing several institutions and government bodies, including the Supreme Court of India, which has announced a series of new measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and improving operational efficiency. According to a circular issued by the Supreme Court on Friday, court hearings will increasingly shift to virtual mode. Cases listed on Mondays, Fridays, and miscellaneous hearing days will now be conducted exclusively through video conferencing. Partial working days will also see online hearings becoming the norm. Court administrations have been directed to ensure smooth technical operations and timely sharing of video conference links to avoid inconvenience for lawyers and litigants. In another major move, Supreme Court judges have agreed to promote carpooling as part of the broader fuel-saving initiative. Judges will now travel together whenever possible, reducing the number of official vehicles in use. The step is being viewed as an environmentally conscious decision that also supports the government’s push toward energy conservation. The new circular also introduces flexible working arrangements for court employees. Up to 50 percent of staff members in each branch or section of the Supreme Court will be allowed to work from home two days a week. However, sufficient staff presence in offices will be maintained to ensure judicial proceedings and administrative work continue without disruption. Employees working remotely have been instructed to remain available by phone at all times and report to the office immediately if required. Registrars have also been given authority to limit or modify work-from-home arrangements in departments where workload demands physical presence. The circular was issued by Bharat Parashar, Secretary General of the Supreme Court, and has come into immediate effect. The decision reflects how government institutions are adapting to current global challenges while promoting sustainability and efficient resource management.