HC reverses decision on longer days for judges

The Delhi High Court has rolled back its decision to extend the working hours of judges in the five district court complexes in the capital by half an hour, reports Sumit Saxena.

The Delhi High Court has rolled back its decision to extend the working hours of judges in the five district court complexes in the capital by half an hour.

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Earlier, the working hours of judges were 10 am to 4 pm in the courtroom, and till 5 pm in their respective chambers.

These timings were extended to 5:30 through a circular issued in the second week of August.

HT first reported the matter on August 12, bringing out the widespread resentment the proposal had generated among judges and lawyers.

According to the latest circular from the Registrar General High Court of Delhi the judges would no longer need to work till 5.30 pm.

“The pool cars shall not leave the court premises before 5 pm instead of 5.30 pm,” said the circular.

“The Chief justice of Delhi High Court has desired that all the judicial officers are expected to be in their respective courts at least till 5.30 pm,” the previous circular had said.

“All officers are directed not to leave their respective courts before 5.30 pm. All officers are directed not to leave their respective courts before 5.30pm”.

A highly placed source told HT, “Except filling up of vacancies, nothing can counter increasing pendency of cases at district level”.

As per Delhi’s Subordinate Judiciary in figures (as on December 31, 2008) 226 posts of judges are vacant at district level against the sanctioned strength of 591.

“I know several judges who work late in night and give good judgments,” said B.S.Rana, President Rohini Bar Association.