CJI Gavai shared that several judges are voluntarily working during the summer vacation to help reduce the case backlog.
NEW DELHI: On May 21st, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, on Wednesday, expressed displeasure over lawyers’ reluctance to work during the summer vacation, stating that while the judiciary is often blamed for the mounting backlog of cases, it is in fact the lawyers who are unwilling to work during court breaks.
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A bench led by CJI Gavai, along with Justice Augustine George Masih, voiced their frustration when an advocate sought listing of a petition after the summer vacation.
“The first five judges are sitting through the vacation and continuing to work, yet we are blamed for the backlog. In reality, it is the lawyers who are unwilling to work during the vacations,” remarked the Chief Justice.
Recently, the Supreme Court released a notification announcing that it would observe “partial court working days” between May 26 and July 13 during the summer vacation.
Unlike earlier years—when only two vacation benches functioned and senior judges did not hold court—this year’s arrangement includes two to five vacation benches, with the top five judges, including the CJI himself, presiding over matters.
The notification further detailed the weekly composition of the benches. For the week from May 26 to June 1, the benches will be headed by the CJI and Justices Suryakant, Vikram Nath, J K Maheshwari, and B V Nagarathna respectively.
Additionally, the Supreme Court registry will remain operational from 10 AM to 5 PM for all officers and staff, and will only be closed on Saturdays (except July 12), Sundays, and public holidays.
Speaking during the mentionings, CJI Gavai said,
“Only which can’t wait till Monday if somebody’s dying, somebody’s doing hanged, somebody’s house is being demolished. Otherwise, if anybody mentions that matter will directly dismiss it at this stage of mentioning.”
He emphasised that unless a case involves an emergency such as imminent death, execution, or house demolition, the court will not entertain requests for early listing. The purpose is to ensure that only truly urgent matters are taken up, and no unnecessary workload is added during the vacation period.
He also stated that all other cases will be scheduled over the next two weeks, reassuring that the court is committed to addressing pending cases systematically.
CJI Gavai remarked, “Otherwise, all matters will come in the next two weeks.”
To further clarify, CJI Gavai shared that several judges are voluntarily working during the summer vacation to help reduce the case backlog.
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He said, “The judges have are willing to work in the vacation. First five judges are sitting in first week. And the blame is on us because of the pendency.”
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Highlighting a common issue, he pointed out that while judges are ready to serve during the break, many lawyers are reluctant to appear in vacation courts.
He directly stated, “It is a lawyers who don’t want to work in the vacation.”
This sparked a light response from another lawyer present in the courtroom, who remarked,
“Few lawyer want to enjoy all the vacation. Some want to work through the vacation.”
