The Supreme Court of India, through the Supreme Court (Amendment) Rules, 2025, has officially reinstated the 2nd and 4th Saturdays as working days across the Court’s registry and offices. This change, effective from July 14, 2025, aims to create a more accessible schedule for filing and urgent case administration.
Why This Change?
- Backlog reduction: Designed to ease case pile-up and improve the speed of judicial proceedings.
- Enhanced public access: Frequent availability of registry services helps citizens with easier filing processes.
- Optimized court administration: Managing urgent cases over weekends distributes workload efficiently.
The Legal Process: From Notification to Notification
On June 14, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a Gazette notification (G.S.R. 385(E)) under Article 145 of the Constitution, amending Order II of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. The amendment was duly approved by the President and followed by the Ministry of Law & Justice notification, which removed the clause that exempted 2nd and 4th Saturdays from work.
New Working Hours: A Complete Breakdown
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (No new work after 4:30 PM unless urgent)
- All Saturdays (including 2nd & 4th): 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Urgent submissions only after 12:00 Noon)
- Partial Court Days & Vacations: Subject to discretion of the Chief Justice; may include Christmas, New Year, etc.
What 2nd & 4th Saturday Working Means Practically
- All filings are allowed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays—these are now full working days for the registry.
- Post-noon, only urgent matters can be submitted.
- Advocates and litigants should plan ahead and not assume these Saturdays are holidays.
Impacts & Implications
- Lawyers & Court Staff: Need to adjust weekly planning and deadlines accordingly.
- Public: Gains better access and reduced weekday congestion.
- Registry Workload: Balanced across six days, reducing Monday backlogs.
- Judiciary System: Increased efficiency with smoother functioning.
Tips for Advocates & Litigants
- Mark 2nd & 4th Saturdays as working days in calendars.
- Check if a case qualifies as urgent for post-noon filing on Saturdays.
- Use Saturdays to distribute workload instead of overloading weekdays.
- Regularly follow official registry notices for holiday exceptions.
Should Special Categories Expect Further Changes?
While the amendment focuses on Saturdays, the Chief Justice may still issue exemptions or circulars for other days. Practitioners should remain updated on changes during major festivals or emergencies.
Timeline at a Glance
- June 14, 2025: G.S.R. 385(E) published, legally amending registry rules
- June 16–19, 2025: Media confirms new Saturday working schedule
- July 14, 2025: New rule takes effect
How This Enhances Court Efficiency
- Balanced Load: Prevents weekend pile-ups from overflowing into Monday.
- Accessibility: People have more days to complete critical tasks.
- Urgency Protocols: Clearly structured for emergencies.
Background: How Did Saturdays Become Non-Working Days?
Historically, the Supreme Court followed a system where 2nd and 4th Saturdays were non-working as per its 2013 Rules. While designed for work-life balance, this led to procedural bottlenecks—especially around festivals and holidays. Over time, this created challenges for those with urgent or deadline-sensitive filings.
The Supreme Court Amendment Rules, 2025 – What Changed Legally?
The amendment to the 2013 Rules (Order II) reclassified 2nd and 4th Saturdays as working days for the registry. This legal update was made through G.S.R. 385(E), with Presidential approval under Article 145 of the Constitution.
Filing Hours and Deadline Protocols Explained
| Day | Office Hours | Filing Deadline | Urgent Filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Till 4:30 PM | Allowed after 4:30 PM |
| All Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Till 12:00 Noon | Post-12 Noon only |
| Partial Holidays | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Flexible | Subject to notification |
| Full Holidays | Closed | N/A | N/A |
Stakeholder Reactions
Advocates: Senior lawyers welcome the move as it reduces Monday congestion, while some junior lawyers express concern about work-life balance.
Registry Staff: Training sessions are underway. Many staff associations demand incentives or compensatory off days.
Litigants: Supportive, especially those traveling from distant regions who now have more options for filing.
Comparison with Other High Courts
Other High Courts like Delhi, Madras, and Kerala have partial or rotational Saturday operations. The Supreme Court’s structured reinstatement sets a clear and uniform precedent.
Implications for Digital Filing Systems
While the e-Filing system operates 24x7, filings submitted after 12:00 Noon on Saturdays will now be processed the next working day. Law firms must realign their workflows to ensure filings are done within the revised Saturday timelines.
Chief Justice’s Role
The Chief Justice holds the authority to implement exceptions, especially during festivals, emergencies, or public disturbances. The Registrar General will issue timely circulars whenever changes arise.
Key Benefits Expected from July 14 Rollout
- Increased access and convenience for court users
- Even distribution of workload throughout the week
- Better alignment with digital e-Filing system
- Improved case management and processing efficiency
Potential Challenges Ahead
- Possible staff fatigue from extended work weeks
- Need for incentives or compensatory mechanisms
- Infrastructure gaps in smaller legal chambers
- Technical clarifications on digital filing cutoffs
Quick FAQ
Q: Does this apply to the judiciary or just registry offices?
A: Applies only to administrative registry functions, not court hearings.
Q: Is filing allowed throughout Saturdays?
A: Regular filings till 12:00 PM; urgent matters only after 12:00 Noon.
Q: Will Sundays also become working days?
A: No such indication as of now—only Saturdays are affected.
Q: Can these hours be changed again?
A: Yes, any change would require a fresh Gazette notification.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to reopen 2nd and 4th Saturdays as official working days beginning July 14, 2025, marks a significant change in India’s legal landscape. By modernizing registry access, refining urgent protocols, and balancing court administration, this reform can deliver long-term benefits—if implemented and supported correctly.
Report by Toofan Express