The Delhi High Court has directed trial courts to function with 50% physical attendance during December due to harsh winter conditions, allowing court staff to work from home on an alternate-day basis to ensure uninterrupted judicial functioning.
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NEW DELHI: In view of the prevailing winter conditions in the national capital, the Delhi High Court has directed trial courts to operate at 50% physical capacity throughout December, allowing court staff to work on an alternate-day basis. The directive aims to ensure the smooth functioning of courts while addressing health and weather-related concerns.
According to an official order dated December 16, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court approved measures permitting a portion of court staff, both gazetted and non-gazetted, including contractual employees, to work from home wherever feasible.
The order states that registrars and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) must prepare rosters for December, ensuring that at least 50% of staff attend court physically each day, while the remaining staff work remotely.
“Those officers/officials, who are not attending once in person, shall work from home and shall be available on telephone and through electronic means of communications at all times,”
the order clarified.
The directive emphasizes that work-from-home arrangements should not disrupt court operations. Staff working remotely must remain accessible at all times via phone and electronic communication, ensuring continuity in judicial and administrative processes.
Importantly, the High Court has instructed authorities to give preference to women staff and employees with medical conditions while assigning work-from-home duties, reflecting a welfare-oriented approach during harsh weather conditions.
Despite the reduced physical presence, the High Court made it clear that the functioning of trial courts must remain efficient and uninterrupted. The alternating attendance system is designed to balance staff welfare with judicial responsibilities.
Following similar instructions issued earlier to Principal District and Sessions Judges, an additional order was released, listing the names of judicial officers along with the specific dates on which they must conduct hearings in person in court.
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