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Can the Supreme Court hear cases on holidays?

Can the Supreme Court hear cases on holidays?

26-Jul-2025

Supreme Court

Answer By law4u team

Yes, the Supreme Court of India can hear cases on holidays, but only in exceptional or urgent situations. Key Facts: The Supreme Court usually functions from Monday to Friday. Holidays include Saturdays, Sundays, and declared court vacations (like summer and winter breaks). However, the Court has the power to constitute special benches to hear cases during holidays or vacations. When can the Supreme Court hear cases on holidays? In case of: Urgent matters (e.g., impending executions, constitutional crises, natural disasters), Habeas corpus petitions, Stay on high court orders causing immediate harm, Election-related disputes, Public interest matters demanding immediate intervention. Examples: In Yakub Memon's mercy plea (2015), the Supreme Court assembled at 3:20 a.m. on a vacation day. In COVID-related or environmental emergencies, benches have sat on weekends and late evenings. Even during summer vacations, a Vacation Bench is constituted to hear urgent cases. Legal Provision: Under Order VI, Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013: > The Chief Justice may appoint a Division Bench or any Judge to sit and hear cases during vacation or holidays. Conclusion: Yes, the Supreme Court can and does hear cases on holidays, but only for urgent or exceptional matters. It is not routine and is done only when justice demands immediate action.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, Indeed, Using Vacation Benches or Special Benches the Supreme Court of India can and does hear urgent cases during the holidays. Typically these are established to hear urgent bail cases, habeas corpus petitions or other pressing matters during public holidays or court vacations or summer breaks. However the Chief Justice or designated judges approval is typically needed and the issue must be genuinely urgent. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, Yes the Supreme Court of India does hear cases during what may be considered off days and break times through what are called vacation benches which in fact do very urgent issues which do not see to wait till the regular sessions back on. These benches which are put in place by the Chief Justice of India consist of either two or three judges which in the past have taken up very large cases like the 2015 challenge to the National Judicial Appointments Commission during the summer vacation and the 2017 triple talaq issue. Vacation benches which are covered by the Supreme Court Rules of 2013 see the Chief Justice put forth judges for urgent and miscellaneous cases as well as for regular business during summer, winter breaks and other holidays. For example as the Supreme Court is in extensive break which may last for seven weeks over summer (usually from late May to early July), week long breaks for Dussehra and Diwali and two week break at Christmas the Court isn't completely shut down it only sees partial functionality for emergency cases like those of bail or eviction. This structure which sees the court run for about 193 working days a year which is more that what we see in many global courts like the U.S. Supreme Court which runs for 79 days annually or the UK’s top court which runs for 189 days, is made possible by the vacation benches which prevent full shut down. If you have any further questions or require assistance with the court marriage process, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank You!