Courts to function virtually at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue complexes on Saturday, October 10, the Delhi High Court has notified, even as every district court in Delhi stays open.
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New Delhi: All civil and criminal cases at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue court complexes will be heard virtually on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Delhi High Court has notified, adding that no adverse orders shall be passed in any case across Delhi’s district courts if a litigant, advocate, witness or accused fails to appear. The notification was issued on October 9 as Delhi prepares for protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest behind it
The October 10 protest, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is directed against the Chief Election Commissioner. On Friday, the Supreme Court heard a plea against curbs on Delhi trains, Metro and internet ahead of the protest and recorded that there shall be no complete prohibition on movement of trains and Metro. The contentions of the parties on the protest and the curbs have not been adjudicated.
What changes on Saturday
Every district court in Delhi will remain open and functional on October 10. At the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue complexes, all civil and criminal matters will be taken up virtually, and judicial officers posted there who cannot reach their courts may conduct proceedings virtually.
The notification also covers under-trial prisoners: in all district courts across Delhi, they shall be produced through virtual mode only.
No adverse orders shall be passed.
Why the notification matters
The notification keeps the district judiciary functioning on a day when movement within the city may be restricted, while shifting the two complexes to virtual hearings and protecting litigants, advocates, witnesses and accused persons from adverse consequences if they cannot attend.
Notification: Delhi High Court notification on virtual functioning of district courts
Date of Notification: October 9, 2026
Applicable on: October 10, 2026