New Delhi: The Delhi High Court (DHC) has announced a significant change in its functioning schedule, deciding to hold court proceedings on the first and third Saturdays of every month. The decision was taken during a Full Court meeting on December 22, 2025, and has been officially communicated through a notice issued by Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj.
Full Court Decision on Working Saturdays
The notification issued by the DHC states:
“The Hon’ble Full Court, in its meeting held on 22.12.2025, has decided that the first and third Saturdays of every month shall be working days for the Court.”
This marks a departure from the court’s previous tradition, where Saturdays were generally observed as holidays except under special circumstances. Last year, the High Court had implemented a schedule where each bench would work one Saturday per month.
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Reaction from the Delhi High Court Bar Association
The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has expressed concern over the decision, stating that while it respects the authority of the Full Court and supports its initiatives, the Bar was neither consulted nor informed before the new schedule was finalized.
Lawyers argue that the move, while aimed at improving judicial efficiency, impacts professional planning and scheduling for advocates, many of whom balance multiple court commitments across Delhi and other jurisdictions.
Addressing the Backlog: Heavy Pending Caseload
The decision to hold additional working Saturdays comes in the backdrop of a heavy backlog of cases in the Delhi High Court, which currently stands at around 1.20 lakh pending matters.
Key statistics include:
- 34,700 writ petitions awaiting hearing
- Over 34,400 criminal cases pending adjudication
- 30,000+ tax-related cases yet to be disposed of
The new Saturday sittings are expected to help reduce the case backlog, particularly in critical areas like writ petitions, criminal matters, and tax disputes. Legal experts note that increasing the number of working days could provide much-needed relief for litigants and expedite judicial processes.
Implications of the Change
This shift reflects the High Court’s efforts to improve efficiency and case disposal rates while adapting to the growing demands on the judicial system. At the same time, it highlights the need for better consultation with the Bar and legal fraternity to ensure smooth implementation of new schedules.
The DHC’s decision may also serve as a precedent for other high courts facing similar backlogs, balancing tradition with the pressing need for judicial productivity.
