The
Supreme Court on Friday decided to hear cases exclusively through
videoconference on Mondays and Fridays, and judges “unanimously resolved” to
encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves in order to ensure
optimum fuel utilisation.
The
move came following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on cutting down
avoidable expenditure due to the ongoing West Asia crisis.
“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 videoconferencing only.
“The
Registry shall ensure that links for the videoconferencing are sent in a timely
manner, stable videoconferencing facilities are maintained and timely technical
assistance facilities are extended so as to avoid any inconvenience to the
Hon’ble Court,” a circular issued said.
The
communication from the apex court also said that till further orders, up to 50
per cent of staff in each branch or section of the registry are permitted to
work from home (WFH) for up to two days every 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 the telephone and be ready to attend office, in
case of requirement, at any time.
“The concerned officers
shall also ensure the timely completion of various tasks assigned to them. 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,” the circular said.