NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday said he had requested the chief justices of all the state high courts to conduct online hearings on Mondays and Fridays for the time being to reduce avoidable expenditure on fuels.
Keeping in view the West Asia crisis, the apex court judges, on May 15, during a meeting, decided to hear cases exclusively through video conference on Mondays and Fridays. The SC judges also “unanimously resolved” to encourage carpooling arrangements amongst themselves to ensure optimal fuel utilisation.
The SC’s decision came following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on cutting down expenditures due to the West Asia crisis. This decision is seen as a major push towards judicial cost-cutting on fuel expenses amid global geopolitical tensions. Legal experts, the bar, and others lauded the move.
Senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi praised the CJI’s decision, and said that using a digital format did not hinder the judicial process, adding that “every judge was extra patient” and that video conferencing proceedings went on “very smoothly”.
Strongly backing the CJI’s initiative, Rohatgi stressed, “I also urge all the high courts to follow suit.” Echoing similar views, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “I join my learned friend in those submissions.”
It is significant to note that on May 15, petrol and diesel rates were increased by Rs 3 per litre. The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) went up by Rs 2 per kilogram in Mumbai and Delhi and again by a rupee in Delhi on May 17.
Former Additional Solicitor General K C Kaushik told this newspaper that he was very happy with the Supreme Court’s decision. “The measures will definitely help in reducing the fuel consumption and cost to a great extent.”
Judges panel submits report on Justice Varma
The Judges Inquiry Committee examining allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma on Monday submitted its report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House, marking a major step in the ongoing judicial accountability proceedings. It is expected to be placed before both Houses in the coming days.
