Gazette Notification dated 16.07.2024 regarding amendment in Order II of Supreme Court Rules 2013

The Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II-Section 3-Sub-section (i), published a notification on 16th July 2024, introducing the Supreme Court (Amendment) Rules, 2024. These rules, enacted under Article 145 of the Constitution of India and with the President's approval, amend the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. The amendments primarily address the working hours and operational schedule of the Supreme Court offices, aiming to streamline administrative functions while ensuring clarity for stakeholders.

Key Amendments

1. Working Hours: Rule 1 stipulates that the offices of the Supreme Court will operate from 10:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M., subject to any modifications directed by the Chief Justice. This standardizes the daily schedule, ensuring uniformity unless exceptional circumstances warrant changes.

2. Closure on Holidays: Rule 2 specifies that the offices will remain closed on Gazetted holidays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. This aligns with the central government’s holiday policy, promoting consistency and reducing operational disruptions.

3. Vacations and Holidays: Rule 3 grants the Chief Justice discretionary authority to determine office hours during vacations and holidays. This provision ensures flexibility, allowing the Court to address urgent matters while accommodating seasonal breaks.

Implementation and Legal Context

The amendments, designated as G.S.R. 457(E), will come into force on 1st August 2024. The notification references the principal rules (G.S.R. 368(E), dated 29th May 2014) and their prior amendment (G.S.R. 670(E), dated 18th September 2019), ensuring continuity and transparency in the legislative process. The Registrar, Mahesh T. Patankar, authenticated the notification, underscoring its official status.

The Supreme Court (Amendment) Rules, 2024, reflect a balanced approach to judicial administration, combining structured schedules with necessary flexibility. By formalizing office hours and holiday protocols, the rules aim to optimize workflow while accommodating the dynamic needs of the judiciary. Stakeholders, including legal practitioners and litigants, must take note of these changes to align their engagements with the Court’s revised operational framework.